Which Buddhist sect does Byodoin Temple belong to?
Byodoin Temple is an independent temple and it does not belong to any existing sects.
In the precinct of Byodoin Temple, there are Jodo-in Temple which belongs to the Jodo Sect and Saisho-in Temple which belongs to the Tendai Sect. Each temple is managed by their own sect.
How was the temple named with the word “Byodo (lit. ‘equal’)”?
It signifies that the saving of Buddha extends equally to everyone.
The equality of Buddha is represented by light, thus, Byodoin Temple is the temple of light.
Why the Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) was chosen as the design of the 10-yen coin and in which year was it?
Because Byodoin Temple is a valuable cultural property of Japan and the building has unique architectural features. It was chosen in 1951.
Is the Phoenix Hall the Shinden-zukuri style architecture?
No. The Shinden-zukuri style architecture always faces the south and the garden with a pond. The Shin-den Hall is connected to the Tsuri-dono Halls (buildings on both sides of the Shin-den main hall) with the corridors. Contrary, the Phoenix Hall faces the east and corridors on both sides are only for decoration purpose and people can’t walk through.
When was the previous repair of the Phoenix Hall conducted?
Some major repairs of the Phoenix Hall were conducted from 1902 to 1907, from 1950 to 1957, and from 2012 to 2014.
Which direction does the Phoenix face?
The hall faces the east; the direction which the hall receives the ray of the rising sun on the front.
What is the size of the Phoenix Hall?
The height (excluding Phoenix) is about 13.5 meters, the width (north and south) is about 47 meters and the depth (east and west) is about 35 meters.。
For what purpose were the wing corridors established?
The architectural design presents the palace of Amida Buddha; corridors are for decoration purpose and not for a practical use to walk through.
Why does the Amida Buddha (Amida Nyorai) have remarkable physical features such as long ears, Rahotsu (spiral-shaped hair), a beard and Byakugo (a curl of white hair in the middle of the forehead)?
These are some of the 32 great physical features which attest that the Nyorai is a transcendent existence beyond human beings.
View the photos and learn more about the Amida Buddha on the separate page.
What kind of musical instruments is the Praying Bodhisattva (Buddhist Saint) on the Clouds holding?
In total, you can discover 18 different music instruments including Tsuzumi (hand drum), Sho (a wind instrument), Koto (harp) and Biwa (a stringed instrument).
View the photos and learn more about the Praying Bodhisattva (Buddhist Saint) on the Clouds on the separate page. Read here for the details about the Praying Bodhisattva (Buddhist Saint) on the Clouds >>
Who are the Buddha hung on the halo of the Amida Buddha?
They are Dainichi Nyorai and Hiten Nyorai Buddha. They make Chiken-in (making a special symbol with both hands which implies that the Buddha reached enlightenment). They are also called the Avatar of the Twelve Merits of Amida Buddha.
Is there any difference between the Phoenixes on the right and the left?
Generally the Phoenix (Hou-ou) in the religious field refers to a pair of a male phoenix (“Hou”) and a female (“Ou”). However, a pair of phoenixes on the roof of the Phoenix Hall has no difference.