Myozoji Temple. A place of deep connections to the Tokugawa shogunate. A place where history whispers through the trees. Can you feel it? Myozoji Temple stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and remembrance. This Jodo-shu Buddhist temple is the main temple of the Chinzei sect in the Kanto region. Its origins trace back to 1393, when the abbot Yūyo Shōsō converted the temple from Shingon Buddhism to the Jodo school. The temple’s name, written in Japanese as 三縁山増上寺, reveals its mountain name: San’en-zan. Myozoji Temple’s ties to the Tokugawa clan are undeniable. Six Tokugawa shōguns rest within the Taitoku-in Mausoleum on the temple grounds. This mausoleum, once a National Treasure, tragically fell victim to the fires of World War II. Today, remnants of two graves still hold the designation of Important Cultural Properties. Imagine the grandeur of the original structures, now lost to time and conflict. Myozoji Temple itself suffered extensive damage during the war. Many of its buildings, once numbering over 120, were destroyed. The Daiden, the great hall, stands as a symbol of resilience, having been rebuilt in 1974. Yet, one structure miraculously survived: the Sangedatsumon. This two-storied main gate, erected in 1622, is the oldest wooden structure in Tokyo. Passing through it is said to free one from the three passions of greed, hatred, and foolishness. Within its upper level reside a statue of Gautama Buddha and figures of the Sixteen Arhats. Behind the Daiden lies a poignant space: the Sentai Kosodate Jizō, the Garden of Unborn Children. Here, rows of stone figures represent children lost before birth, offering a place of solace and remembrance for grieving parents. Myozoji Temple is not merely a historical relic. It is a vibrant spiritual center, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich past while continuing to serve as the main temple of Jodo-shu and a seminary for Buddhist priests.
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