This autumn, the Byodoin Temple’s Hoshokan Museum will hold a special exhibition titled “Forging Sacred Connections – The Pure Land and Scenes from The Tale of Genji –”
During the Heian period, when the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple was constructed, Buddhism was deeply intertwined with both personal actions and the very existence of individuals.
Among the aristocracy, faith in Jodo, or the Pure Land, grew in popularity. By forming a bond with the Buddhas, people engaged in religious practices such as sutra recitations. The depiction of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas guiding people toward rebirth in the Pure Land was illustrated as a “Raiko-zu” (Descent of Amida Buddha).
Furthermore, in The Tale of Genji, the quintessential literary work of the Heian period, the lives of Hikaru Genji and the nobles, as well as their romantic encounters with women, were often explained as fated by past lives based on Buddhist teachings.
This exhibition features works related to Pure Land beliefs and The Tale of Genji, ranging from the Heian to the Edo period.
Date: Wed. Oct.16th 2024-Mon. Jan. 13th 2025
Open everyday, 18th Nov and 16th Dec. will be closed only “The Phoenix Exhibits Room” because of changing exhibits.
Time:9:00-17:00
Admission Fee:Byodo-in entrance fee required.
Adult 700 yen,Junior or Senior High school Student 400 yen, Elementary School Student 300yen. Over 25 person, each fee is discounted 100yen.
Amida and the Sacred Host in Welcoming Descent
Amida in Welcoming Descent
Picture of "The Tale of Genji”
Picture of "The Tale of Genji”
a Piece of Letters “The Tale of Genji”
a Box with Gold or Silver Lacquer
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Past Special Exhibitions
