TravelswithCharie

As I sleep Facing the city, My Buddhas Stand even in my dreams On an autumn night. Aizu Yaichi, Poet, historian, calligrapher 1891-1956 Daibutsu Nara is chock-full of historical temples, shrines and ruins, a legacy from its early influence as the capital of Japan in the 8th century. Todai-ji is the most visited of these temples. It is the home of the seated Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in Japan. It measures an impressive 15 meters in height and and fills the Great Hall (Daibutsuden) with its presence.  Bodhisattva Two  Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) sit on either side of Buddha.  Todai-ji Temple The  Daibutsuden  is the biggest wooden building in the world under one roof though it is much  smaller than the original structure which was razed by fire in 1180 during the Genpei Civil War.  Model of Todai-ji One of several interesting displays in the Daibutsuden is the model of Todai-ji as it w...

Daibutsu The Kamakura countryside is within an hour by train from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo but is so far removed from the trappings of the big city. Set amidst a backdrop of wooded hills and sea, it is the ideal place for prayer and meditation. A small train chugs along the Enoden line from Kamakura to Hase where we got off for the short stroll to see the Daibutsu or Great Buddha. Measuring 37 ft. in height and weighing 93 tons, it is the second largest bronze statue of Buddha in Japan. I could see its face through the wooden slats which made up the gate enclosing an area where a temple once sheltered the statue. That temple was washed away by a tsunami in 1495, exposing the Daibutsu to the elements for the last 500 years. But this has proved to be a godsend because visitors can see the Amita Buddha in full view, serene yet majestic against the natural setting. Closer to the train station is Hasedera (Hase Kannon Temple) which is up on a hillside. A typical Japanese garden leads...