“Why is this hall so important?” a tourist asks. Let’s explore the Hatto also known as the Lecture Hall. This sacred space is central to Buddhist temples.
The Hatto is where priests deliver lectures about Buddhism. While the term “Hatto” is common in Zen temples other sects usually call it Kodo.
Interestingly the Hatto’s origins aren’t in India. Its establishment occurred in China. This likely took place during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. Buddhism began its spread among the noble class then.
The Hatto is a crucial structure in Buddhist temples. It stands alongside towers enshrining Buddha’s ashes. The Butsuden or Kondo houses Buddha statues. In Japan the placement of these structures varied across periods. However the Hatto is usually in the temple’s center. It became second in importance to the Butsuden.
Within the Hatto the head priest and other lecturing priests give sermons. They preach Buddhist scriptures to both Buddhists and other priests. In the Zen sect this is “Jodo Seppo”. It involves preaching from the hoseki or preacher’s seat. These sermons called jodogo are recorded in goroku collections. “Rinzai Roku” is one such record of Rinzai’s teachings.
Tenryu-ji Temple’s Hatto was lost to fire in 1864. It was rebuilt later using a relocated Zen hall from the Edo period. The Hatto serves as a lecture hall. The head priest preaches here in place of Buddha.
The building has a single story in the Kirizuma style. It features tiled roofing. It faces east. The ceiling boasts a “cloud dragon” painting by 加山又造. This artwork was added in 1997 to commemorate the Hatto’s 100th anniversary and 夢窓国師’s 650th memorial.
The main hall displays images of the 釈迦三尊像. Behind it are memorial tablets. These honor Emperors and past head priests. Statues of 夢窓疎石 and 足利尊氏 are also enshrined. The Hatto functions as both a lecture hall and a Buddhist hall. So the Hatto serves multiple spiritual purposes.
Today some school Kodo halls function as gyms. In universities similar rooms are called kogishitsu or daikyoshitsu. They are used for regular classes. From sacred lectures to secular classrooms the Hatto has adapted. Its purpose remains rooted in teaching and learning. The Hatto is a place of wisdom and reflection.