Tue, Jul 16, 2024
Takaosan-ji and Jingan-ji were two ancient Buddhist temples that came together in 824 to become what is now Jingo-ji, a Shingon Buddhist temple on Mt. Takao in the northwestern outskirts of Kyoto city. Takaosan-ji was where Kukai (774-835; posthumously known as Kobo Daishi), the founder of the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism, resided for some time after having studied the principles of esotericism in Tang dynasty, China. Accordingly, Takaosan-ji (and later Jingo-ji) became for the school the place “where it all started.”
Special Exhibition Commemorating the 1,200th Anniversary of Jingoji Temple’s Founding
Jingoji: The Dawn of Shingon BuddhismJul 17 (Wed) – Sep 8 (Sun), 2024
Tokyo National Museum
*See outline below for more details
(Ueno Park, Tokyo)
A special exhibition to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of Jingo-ji’s founding this year (2024) is now running at the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo’s Ueno Park. Entitled “Jingoji: The Dawn of Shingon Buddhism,” the exhibition highlights the artistic treasures of the temple such as the “Mandala of the Two Realms” known as the “Takao Mandala” (9th century, top photo) — a designated national treasure and the only existing mandala said to have been designed by Kukai himself — and the standing statue of Buddha Yakushi, or Bhaisajyaguru (8-9th century) — the temple’s principal image of worship and also a designated national treasure — which is on public display outside the temple premises for the first time.
Other must-sees in the exhibition include “The Buddha Sakyamuni” (Heian period, 12th century), a painting often referred to as the “Red Sakyamuni” from the color of the depicted robe, and the “Registry of Abhiseka Rite Recipients” (Heian period, 812) in the hand of Kukai, a list of names of those who received esoteric ordinations (abhiseka) at Takaosan-ji temple. Both are designated national treasures of Japan.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 8, 2024.
Outline of the event
Schedule
Wed, Jul 17, 2024〜Sun, Sep 8, 2024
Special Exhibition Commemorating the 1,200th Anniversary of Jingoji Temple’s Founding
Jingoji:
The Dawn of Shingon Buddhism
1st term: Jul 17 - Aug 12
2nd term: Aug 14 - Sep 8
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
(Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Fri, Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(Last admission at 6:30 p.m.)
Tokyo National Museum
Heiseikan
13-9 Ueno Park
Taito Ward, Tokyo
Adults: 2,100 yen
University students: 1,300 yen
High school students: 900 yen
Junior high school students and younger: Free
*Admission free for visitors with disabilities and one caregiver (presentation of certificate required)
Closing day
Mondays except Aug 12
Aug 13 (Tue)
Contact
Tel. 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
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