Now showing
KUKAI: The origin of Japanese esoteric Buddhism —Means of true wisdom: The Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple
Discover the Buddhist monk Kukaiʼs ultimate teachings in the Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple!
This program features the marvelous Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple in Kyoto. Mandalas, or Buddhist representations of the universe, are usually depicted in the form of drawings or paintings. However, the Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple is represented three-dimensionally in the templeʼs Lecture Hall, taking the form of 21 Buddhist sculptures: this unique visualization was unparalleled when it was first constructed in the 9th century. To-ji Temple was designated the focal point of Esoteric Buddhism by the renowned Buddhist monk Kukai, who was famed for bringing Esoteric Buddhist teachings from Tang-dynasty China (618‒907) back to Japan. Entrusted with the temple by Emperor Saga in 823, Kukai created the Sculpture Mandala to impart his ultimate teachings, showing that words alone cannot fully express his worldview. This program invites you to discover the allure of the Sculpture Mandala through this high-definition, virtual-reality experience.
[Supervision] Tokyo National Museum, Kyo-o-gokoku-ji Temple (To-ji Temple)
[Production] TOPPAN Inc.
Date
* Screening schedule and capacity are subject to change.
July 17– October 14, 2024
Screening schedule
Wed, Thu, Fri
12:00／13:00／14:00／15:00／16:00
Sat, Sun, Holidays
11:00／12:00／13:00／14:00／15:00／16:00
Running time : about 35 min.
Maximum screening capacity : 90
* You may not enter/exit mid-way through the program.
* We anticipate congestion just before the entrance time.Please purchase tickets as early as possible,well in advance of the show time.(Tickets must be purchased on the day of viewing.)
