Deep within the tranquil heart of Dazaifu lies Kaidan-in. This seemingly small temple holds a powerful legacy. It was once one of Japan’s most important Buddhist ordination monasteries. Kaidan-in was founded in 761. It served as the Western Ordination Hall, alongside Todaiji Temple in Nara and Yakushi-ji in Shimotsuke. During the Nara period, no monk or nun could be officially recognized without receiving ordination at one of these three locations. Imagine the countless aspiring priests who journeyed to Kaidan-in, seeking spiritual enlightenment.
The renowned Chinese priest Jianzhen, also known as Ganjin, played a pivotal role in establishing Kaidan-in. He visited this very site after his arduous journey to Japan. A linden tree graces the temple grounds. It commemorates Jianzhen’s visit and blooms with fragrant flowers in early June. The principal object of worship at Kaidan-in is a magnificent statue of Vairocana Buddha. This statue, dating back to the late Heian era, is a designated Important Cultural Property. Interestingly, Kaidan-in transitioned from Kannon worship to become a Zen temple during the Edo period. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of spiritual practices.
Inside the main hall of Kaidan-in, you’ll find three exquisite Buddhist statues. These statues are designated important cultural properties. The central figure is a stunning 12th-century image of the Cosmic Buddha, meticulously carved from hinoki cypress and adorned with gold leaf. Flanking the Buddha are two standing bodhisattvas: Miroku Bosatsu, the future Buddha of universal salvation, and Monju Bosatsu, the deity of wisdom. Many Japanese people pray to Monju Bosatsu for success in their studies. The ordination platform itself is said to hold earth from India, China, and Yamato (Nara), symbolizing the journey of Buddhism to Japan along the Silk Road. Kaidan-in’s history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Buddhism’s spread across Asia. Kaidan-in’s quiet presence belies its historical significance. It stands as a tribute to the enduring power of faith and the exchange of cultural ideas.