Horyuji Monastery
Horyuji Monastery is located in Ikaruga near Nara. The exact name is Horyu Gakumon-ji, the name of the complex is translated as Temple of Prosperous Dharma. This is the very first in Japan, and the oldest Buddhist temple in the world, the wooden buildings of which have survived to this day. True, only about 20% of the structural parts are truly ancient.
History of Horyuji Monastery
It was built in the middle of the 7th century by Korean craftsmen, the founders of the Kongo-gumi company. The carpenters were invited by Prince Regent Shotoku. The Kongo-gumi company specialized in the construction and repair of Buddhist temples for another 14 centuries, and recently became bankrupt. Construction of Horyuji Monastery was completed in 607. The temple was named Ikaruga-dera. In 670, the temple burned down due to a lightning strike and a strong fire. By 700 it was completely restored. Having lost power after being defeated by the Sogu clan, Shotoku spent the rest of his days in the monastery he built studying Buddhist sutras.
Horyuji Monastery was repeatedly damaged by fires, but it was always restored, maintaining its original appearance. The monastery complex is divided into two parts - western and eastern. In the western part there is a Kondo temple and a pagoda, and in the eastern part there is Yumedono. The monks live in a dormitory and have libraries and refectory rooms at their disposal. The courtyard of Horyuji Monastery can be accessed through the ritual gate. There are covered galleries along the perimeter of the courtyard. Camphor wood, known for its durability and resistance to rot and natural pests, was used for the construction of temples. Thanks to the strength of the wood, some of the buildings have survived to this day.
Description of Horyuji Monastery
In the western part of the temple rises the Gonju-no-to pagoda, consisting of five tiers. Replicas of the pagoda stand in many Japanese Buddhist temples. The grandiose structure, 34 meters high, seems to float in the air, thanks to its precise proportions and wide roof extension. At the base of the pagoda lies a huge stone hiding ancient relics. It is impossible to get to them without destroying the pagoda, so one can only guess what is stored there; the pagoda was built in 700.
In the courtyard there is a giant log suspended on strong chains - an ancient anti-seismic mechanism that serves to balance earth vibrations during earthquakes. Similar concrete devices are still installed in high-rise buildings in Japan today. On the opposite side of the entrance is the Kondo Shrine. In its main - Golden - hall there is a sculpture of Buddha Bhaishajyaguru - the Healer, made by one of the first famous Japanese sculptors Tori-busshi. It was not damaged by the fire in 670. Believers believe that by touching the statue of the deity, you can clear your karma and be healed. The temple hall is huge, its area exceeds 280 square meters. The hall also houses the famous Syaka triad
During the war, the temple's frescoes were seriously damaged by bomb explosions. They were restored from surviving drawings and photographs by experienced wall painting masters. In the monastery complex in the east there is the “Hall of Dreams” - Yumedono, where there is a statue of the goddess Guanyin-Kannon - mercy. It was in this Hall that Setoku studied the sacred Buddhist texts alone.
Pilgrims, tourists and visitors to the monastery can see the statue of the goddess only twice a year during solemn ritual ceremonies. It is believed that the soul of Prince Shotoku still resides in the Serein Hall, which is also located in Horyuji Monastery. Since 1950, the temple has belonged to Shotoku-su, a school of Shotoku worshipers. In 1993, the monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
