Deep in the forested hills of Ohara, north of Kyoto’s bustling heart, lies the secluded Amida-ji Temple. Don’t let its tranquil setting fool you. This unassuming temple holds a most unusual tale. Amida-ji was founded in 1569 by the enigmatic Tanzei Shonin. It’s a bit off the beaten path, requiring a bit of a hike. But the journey itself, past whispering trees and mossy stones, is a prelude to the intrigue that awaits. Now, here’s where the story takes a turn. Tanzei Shonin, a man who seemingly had conquered life’s mysteries, decided to take control of his own death. Through intense ascetic practices, he began the process of self-mummification while still alive. When he felt ready, he entered a specially prepared cave adjacent to the main hall and instructed his disciples to seal him within. To this day, his mummified remains, a testament to his extraordinary willpower, rest within the stone mausoleum. Amida-ji might lack the crowds of Kyoto’s more famous temples. But it offers something far more compelling: a glimpse into a life lived, and a death embraced, on the edge of human understanding.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to