Kyoto Higashi Honganji Temple, one of the great popular centers of Buddhism in Kyoto. Higashi Honganji, or "Eastern Temple of the First Vow" is one of the head temples of Jodo Shinshu Sect of Pure Land Buddhism, the most popular form of Buddhism in Japan. This Pure Land Sect was founded by a monk named Shinran (1173-1263), who simplified Buddhist thought to one essential teaching: all you need to do is repeat the words "namu amida butsu" or "Praise to Amida Buddha". Shinran believed that Amida Buddha had vowed to save all those who sincerely repeated these words. The winning combination of a simple teaching, with a simple practice made Shinran's belief system very popular with ordinary working people. After Shinran's death a Honganji Temple was established to promote his teachings, but this temple was forced to move several times before finally being granted land in Kyoto. In 1602 shortly after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Japan's Shogun, or military ruler, he encouraged a split within the Honganji sect to prevent it from becoming too powerful. Higashi Honganji was built to the east of the first Honganji Temple which is now known as Nishi Honganji. Originally built in 1604, the Higashi Honganji Temple buildings were destroyed four times by fire, the most recent conflagration being in 1864 during a time of political and civil turmoil. Most of the current buildings were rebuilt in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The Goei-do, or Founder's Hall, is the largest wooden building in Kyoto, and one of the largest in the world. The Founder's Hall is 76 meters (250 feet) in length, 58 meters (190 feet) in width, 38 meters (125 feet) in height. This building was rebuilt in 1895 and is the most important structure in the temple compound. The Amida-do, or The Amida Hall was also rebuilt in 1895. On the central altar is enshrined a statue of Amida Buddha. To the right of the statue is a portrait of Prince Shotoku Taishi (574-622) who was instrumental in bringing buddhism to Japan. On the left is a portrait of Shinran's teacher, the monk Honen (1133-1212). On the north side of the temple grounds is the Sanpai Setto-sho, or The Reception Hall which connects with a gallery and audio visual hall. The gallery holds regular exhibitions on Buddhist related themes. The Reception Hall was designated by Goichi Takeda the founder of the architecture department at Kyoto University and completed in 1934. The gallery and audio-visual hall are housed in a futuristic building which though mostly underground, is cleverly lit with natural light. It was designated by Shin Takamatsu and completed in 1998. Just ten minutes walk from Kyoto Station is the grand complex of Higashi Honganji Temple. From the north central exit of Kyoto Station head north on Karasuma Street. You will pass both Kyoto Tower and the Yodobashi department store on your left before you see Higashi Honganji Temple on the north side of Shichijo Street. It is easily recognizable by the large sign on its outer walls on which thought provoking words are written in multiple languages: "Now, Life is living you". Entry to it is completely free.

• published: 15 May 2022
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