Contemplate the serene pines. They whisper tales of a Chinese monk who changed Japan. We stand before Manpukuji. It is a temple steeped in Chinese influence.
Manpukuji offers a unique glimpse into Zen Buddhism. It showcases Chinese culture in Japan. Founded in 1661 by Yinyuan Longqi, it’s also known as Ingen Ryuki in Japan. Ingen was a Chinese monk. He hailed from China’s Fujian province.
Ingen’s story began long before this temple existed. He arrived in Nagasaki in 1654 at 63. Japanese monks were eager to see him. China was a cultured nation for Japan then. Ingen’s arrival caused an Obaku boom.
The temple’s architecture is unusual. It reflects the Ming Dynasty style. Teak wood was used for many structures. The temple layout resembles a dragon. This Chinese style sets it apart.
Manpukuji maintains Chinese traditions. Sculptures were made by Chinese artists. Priests recite musical sutras in the Bonbai style. It’s an Indian style. This adds to the unique atmosphere.
One singular feature is the gyoban. It is a large flat wooden ornament. It is shaped like a fish. Monks strike it like a gong. It marks meal times and sutra recitations. Ingen brought new ingredients to Japan. He introduced kidney beans, watermelons and lotus root. Kidney beans are called ingenmame in his honor.
Zen-style calligraphy came from China. Portraiture techniques were also introduced. They were highly regarded then. Fucha ryori had an unequaled effect. It impacted the Kansai food culture. It brought new ingredients. It combined boiling, grilling and steaming.
Fucha ryori popularized deep-frying. Stir-frying also became common. These used large amounts of oil. Oil was a luxury item back then. Ingen was introduced to the fourth shogun. His name was Tokugawa Ietsuna. The shogun gave Ingen land in Uji.
The temple was named Manpukuji. It means “ten thousand fortunes”. It’s named after Wanfu Temple in China. Ingen once served as head priest there.
The temple’s main halls are aligned lengthwise. Other buildings face them. This creates a sense of symmetry. It is typical of Ming Dynasty temples. Most buildings have maintained their original structure. This dates back to the 1660s.
Enter through the Sanmon gate. Original nameplates are still there. Ingen inscribed them himself. Visitors walk on diamond-shaped stones. They make their way to the main attractions.
The wooden statue of Hotei is popular. He is the god of fortune. The statue is covered in gold leaf. It often appears on magazine covers. The Daiohoden hall is the largest teak building in Japan. It houses statues of arhats. There is also a statue of Shakanyorai.
The Hozoin temple contains 60000 printing blocks. They are inscribed with sutras. Tetsugen Doko launched the project. The Ming typeface remains common today. Sutras are still printed individually.
Manpukuji offers fucha ryori. It is a Chinese-style vegetarian meal. You’ll need to reserve in advance. The meal is for a minimum of two people. Fucha ryori was served after Buddhist rituals. Five-colored vegetables are offered to altars. The foods are served to monks after the events.
Multiple dishes are arranged on communal plates. Four diners share these dishes. Diners serve themselves with their own chopsticks. No scrap of food is wasted.
Consider the profound impact of Manpukuji. It spread Chinese cuisine. It introduced new artistic styles. It continues to offer a serene escape. It provides a glimpse into a unique cultural exchange.