When the compound, Kai-ritsu (Vinaya precepts in Japanese) is used, 'kai' refers to self-imposed vows and 'ritsu' denotes vows among priests and nuns. Although these Vinaya precepts governing the life and behavior of Buddhist priests and nuns are ones of the most important matters in Buddhism, the Japanese had not thought Jukai so important for a long time; for example, at first when Buddhism was introduced to Japan, Jisei Jukai (self-administered precepts) was permitted. Jianzhen died on the 6th day of the 5th month of 763. This epoch of Japanese history is known as the Nara Period. Dry lacquer, 763, Nara Period, Toshodai-ji, Founder's Hall; Among earliest portraits of a real person in Japan; hollow-core dry lacquer technique. In the eleven years from 743 to 754, Jianzhen attempted to visit Japan some six times. In 759, Ganjin was given the former residence of Imperial Prince Niitabe to build Toshodai-ji Temple and set up a Kaidan platform. Ganjin was forced to stay in China. Additionally, in 779, Ganjin's biography, "To Daiwajo Toseiden" (Eastern Expedition of Ganjin, the Great Tang Monk) was written by OMI no Mifune, which is a precious historical material to indicate Ganjin's achievement. Therefore, Yoei and Fusho went to Tang (China) to invite 10 duly ordained Chinese priests prescribed by the Vinaya, and visited Ganjin, who had already distinguished himself as a great Vinaya master. On the way, Yoei passed away in Duanzhou. In 751, Ganjin left Hannan Island to return to Yangzhou. Ganjin finally came to Japan in the year 754 and founded Tōshōdai-ji in Nara. His surname was Chunyu. The Toshodai-ji Temple was founded by the Chinese priest Ganjin, who came to Japan spreading the principles of Buddhism. (1928). The lecture hall is the only surviving part of the former Nara Imperial Palace and served as an administrative building during the imperial times. Craftsmen who accompanied Ganjin from the mainland are responsible for the three superb dry-lacquer statues displayed here. He also opened Hiden-in, (a facility for the elderly, disabled, sick and orphans), being actively involved in relief efforts for the poor. Statistics Editar. In the autumn of 753, the blind Jianzhen decided to join a Japanese emissary ship returning to its home country. (1929). The “Ganjin Wajo-zo” (statue of the Priest Ganjin) is a national treasure, and is the oldest portrait sculpture in Japan. Besides his learning in the Tripiṭaka, Jianzhen is also said to have been an expert in medicine. In Ritsu …an invitation to Chien-chen (Japanese: Ganjin), a leading Chinese scholar of vinaya. …most important of these was Ganjin (Chinese: Jianzhen), who finally reached Nara in 753 on his sixth attempt and founded the Ritsu sect at Tōshōdai Temple. In the ten years until his death in Japan, Jianzhen not only propagated the Buddhist faith among the aristocracy, but also served as an important conductor of Chinese culture. Kaidan-in of the Todai-ji Temple was also built for a permanent ordination platform, and after that, in 761, Kaidan platforms were constructed at Kanzeon-ji Temple in Dazaifu (present day in Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu) and at Yakushi-ji Temple of Shimotsuke Province (Shimotsuke City, north of present day Tokyo) so that todan-jukai might be conferred from the east to the west part of Japan; as a result, the Vinaya precepts system had rapidly developed. After a period of 12 years, in which he failed five times to cross the Japan Sea, he was finally able to land in Japan, though he had, by that time, become totally blind due to the tough voyages. The Horyu-ji Temple is known as the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Japan. Study 16 3 (Nara, Tenpyo, Heian, Jogan) flashcards from Phoenix J. on StudyBlue. To vow 'ritsu,' (meaning to vow to keep codes of discipline which govern the Buddhist monastic life), a rite must be performed in front of more than 10 qualified priests and nuns; this is Jukai. Buddha Roshana, 8th century. It was first performed in the year 6 of the period Tenpyoo Shoohoo 天平勝宝 (754), when priest Ganjin came from China and initiated the emperor Shomu Tenno 聖武上皇, Koken Tenno 孝謙天皇 and others. For this reason, in 753 when the Kento-shi returned to Japan, FUJUWARA no Kiyokawa, the chief envoy of Japan, refused Ganjin to get on board. Genkai, Aomi-no Mabito; Takakusu J., trans. For the village in Iran, see. Some of the oldest wooden architecture, paintings and sculptures reside here. During the Nara period, this hall was a major centre of learning and religious training. Ganjin Priest Ganjin The Abbot Ganjin View Title Bust Creator/Culture Japanese Site/Repository Repository: Kaisan-do, Tōshōdai-ji (Nara, Nara prefecture, Kinki, Japan) Period/Date Nara period Creation date: ca. During that return journey to Yangzhou, the climate in the southern region and exhaustion deprived Ganjin of his sight (one theory says that he didn't totally lose his sight). Again this time, however, strong anxiety of Ganjin's disciplines, Lingyu, for his master's safety brought him to civil authorities to stop Ganjin crossing the sea to Japan. There were a few copies of Chinese-style landscapes, and portraits in the Chinese fashion of significant ecclesiastical figures like the Chinese priest Ganjin. This is a portrait of the priest Ganjin, created after his death. Yakushiji Temple (薬師寺) The construction work of the original temple started at Asuka, the South part of Nara. Heijo Palace – When Nara was capital of Japan during the Nara Period in the 8 th century, the city was called Heijo-kyo and the palace became its centrepiece. ), A translation of the Tōdaiwajō tōseiden 唐大和上東征傳.” (Part 1), A translation of the Tōdaiwajō tōseiden 唐大和上東征傳. Summary 1.The nation was governed based on the Ritsuryo. The Japanese viewed protecting the nation as part of the clergy’s mission. Toshodai-ji Temple: Where Master Ganjin stood - See 629 traveler reviews, 740 candid photos, and great deals for Nara, Japan, at Tripadvisor. Leaving from Yangzhou, he made it to the Zhoushan Archipelago off the coast of modern Zhejiang. He founded the Ritsushu sect in Japan. Priest Ganjin He came to Japan from Tang, built Toshodaiji Temple and contributed to the spread of Buddhism. The Nara period (710–784) Beginning of the imperial state. Being upset, Ganjin headed for Tenjiku (India) from Canton, but he was dissuaded from doing so by his disciples and devotees. Founded by the Chinese priest Ganjin in 759, it was the head temple of the Ritsu Buddhist sect. There he founded a school and also set up a private temple, Tōshōdai-ji. Ganjin underwent tremendous hardships in his attempts to visit Japan and spread Buddhism. Jianzhen travelled along the Gan River to Jiujiang, and then down the Yangtze River. Toshodaiji (Nara) — the head temple of Risshu, or the Ritsu school of Buddhism — was founded in the Nara period by Ganjin Wajo — a high priest from the Tang Dynasty in … Album Leaf from The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (Ishiyama-gire), 12th century. At the age of fourteen, he became a disciple of Dayun Temple (大云寺). The Nara Period (Nara Jidai) of ancient Japan (710-794 CE), so called because for most of that time the capital was located at Nara, then known as Heijokyo, was a short period of transition prior to the significant Heian Period. The Toshodaiji Temple dates back to 759 when it was established by a priest from China known as Ganjin. In the following year a special hall, Kaidan-In 戒壇院, was constructed for this ceremony, where the Jukai ceremony was performed. Various materials have been used for the sculptures. When he finally succeeded on his sixth attempt he had lost his eyesight as a result of an infection acquired during his journey. In 752, Ganjin, who had decided to go to Japan without fail, promised FUJIWARA no Kiyokawa, who was a Kento-shi (a Japanese envoy to Tang Dynasty China) and visited him, to execute his decision. Toshodaiji Temple. In Buddhism, those who newly ordain as priests and nuns must take a vow to observe the Vinaya precepts. However, Emperor Hsuan Tsung (Tang Dynasty) of those days prohibited Ganjin from going to Japan because he thought it pity for China to lose Ganjin's brilliant brain. A dry-lacquer statue of him made shortly after his death can still be seen at Tōshōdai-ji. In January, 754, Ganjin arrived at the Heijo-kyo (the ancient capital of Japan in current Nara), and was welcomed by Emperor Shomu and others; by an imperial decree of Empress Koken, the establishment of Kaidan (Buddhist ordination platform) and Jukai were entirely left to Ganjin, and he resided at Todai-ji Temple. In 763, he passed away at the Toshodai-ji Temple. Phoenix Hall, Byodo-in, c. 1053. tempts to visit Japan. Ganjin stayed at Daiun-ji Temple of this place for a year, and transmitted a plenty of knowledge about medicine in Hannan Island. Heian Period. At the age of 14, he entered the priesthood, attending to Chiman, and studied the teachings of the Ritsushu sect and the Tendaishu sect under Daoan and Hongjing. In the Fujiwara Period, however, there was a surge of secular painting, both landscape and scenes of daily court life, painted on folding screens (屏風 byōbu , lit. The Taiho Code (Taiho Ritsuryo) was established by modeling the ruling system of Tang. Accepting the invitation of Yoei and Fusho, Ganjin asked his disciples to go to Japan, but had no volunteers. What are the Highlights of an Exclusive visit to the Tangzhaoti Temple Exhibition? In 753, he guided Ganjin, who came to Japan from Tang, to Dazaifu, Kyushu, and served as an interpreter for Ganjin when this … This page was last edited on 7 December 2020, at 01:13. In 756 Ganjin was appointed to the bureau of clergy, which controlled the issuing of certificates for ordination. The entire failed enterprise took him close to three years. Although most are wooden, 11 entries in the list are bronze, 11 are lacquer, 7 are made of clay and 1 entry, the Usuki Stone Buddhas, is a stone sculpture.Typically hinoki, Japanese nutmeg, sandalwood and camphorwood were the woods used for the wooden sculptures. In 710 the imperial capital was shifted a short distance from Asuka to Nara. Ganjin Priest Ganjin The Abbot Ganjin View Title 3/4 view of proper left, Detail: Head and chest Creator/Culture Japanese Site/Repository Repository: Kaisan-do, Tōshōdai-ji (Nara, Nara prefecture, Kinki, Japan) Period/Date Nara period Creation date: ca. After a period of 12 years, in which he failed five times to cross the Japan Sea, he was finally able to land in Japan, though he had, by that time, become totally blind due to the tough voyage. Ganjin and Vinaya (the precepts of Buddhism) Ganjin was born in Jiiangyang, Yangzhou in Tang. (Planned June 2nd - 10th for year 2007. The Todai-Ji Temple was founded by a Chinese priest called Ganjin in the year 759. In autumn 742, an emissary from Japan invited Jianzhen to lecture in Japan. The Chinese monks who travelled with him introduced Chinese religious sculpture to the Japanese. Then, he resolved to travel to Japan himself, accompanied by 21 of his disciples who had heard their master's resolution. Knowing that, OTOMO no Komaro, the vice-envoy, secretly let Ganjin board his ship. His surname was Chunyu. Jianzhen was born in Jiangyin county in Guangling Prefecture (present day Yangzhou, Jiangsu) China, with the surname of Chunyu (淳于). The ashes of this Buddhist monk were incorporated in its creation. Ninki, one of Ganjin's disciples, who mourned his master's death, made the sculpture of Ganjin (Dakkatsu-kanshitsu [hollow dry lacquer: A method of making lacquer statues, popular in the Nara period], colored; a technique to form a framework of statue by layering of lacquered hemp cloth, and the both hands are carved in wood), which the Toshodai-ji Temple has preserved until today (Statue of Ganjin in Toshodai-ji Temple, national treasure) and is said the first portrait sculpture in Japan. The ancient capital of Nara is located in Nara Prefecture, just south of Kyoto. In summer 748, Jianzhen made his fifth attempt to reach Japan. Nara Period, Priest Ganjin, Japan. In May 2010, the Taiwanese Buddhist organization Tzu Chi organized and produced an animated drama on Jianzhen's life and journey to Japan. It was the site of the city of Heijo-kyo, established in 710. Read More; Ritsu school of Buddhism. (Part 2), Ganjin: From Vinaya Master to Ritsu School Founder, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jianzhen&oldid=992776463, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Pages using religious biography with multiple nickname parameters, Articles having different image on Wikidata and Wikipedia, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. The crossing failed and in the following years, Jianzhen made three more attempts but was thwarted by unfavourable conditions or government intervention. The Kō-dō (Lecture Hall) behind the Kon-dō also dates from the late eighth century, and is more Japanese in styling. [4] The statue was temporarily brought to Jianzhen's original temple in Yangzhou in 1980 as part of a friendship exchange between Japan and China. Jianzhen was then forced to make his way back to Yangzhou by land, lecturing at a number of monasteries on the way. Jianzhen's life story and voyage are described in the scroll, "The Sea Journey to the East of a Great Bonze from the Tang Dynasty."[1]. In the eleven years from 743 to 754, Jianzhen attempted to visit Japan some six times. Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, Nara Prefecture 630-8212. Archipelago off the coast of modern Zhejiang 759 he retired to a piece of land granted to him by imperial... As an administrative building during the Nara Period, Womb World and Diamond World Mandala of,. Temple Exhibition off the coast of modern Zhejiang spring of the former Nara imperial Palace and served an... Daiun-Ji Temple of the clergy ’ s mission the next year and were welcomed by the Court. Succeeded on his sixth attempt he had lost his eyesight as a place of healing, the. Last edited on 7 December 2020, at 01:13 displayed here scene from Tale! Japanese emissary ship returning to its home country then forced to make his fifth attempt to Japan! Japan some six times far side of Nara years, Jianzhen made three more but... His death 710 the imperial Court in the eleven years from 743 754... Poets ( Ishiyama-gire ), a translation of the imperial times him made shortly after death... The 5th month of 763 residence of imperial Prince Niitabe to build Toshodai-ji Temple and set up a Temple!, recruited by Emperor Shōmu to reform Buddhism in Japan a plenty knowledge. An emissary from Japan invited Jianzhen to lecture in Japan the Kon-dō also dates from mainland! Day of the imperial state the oldest existing Buddhist Temple in Japan to 759 when it was established in,! 784, when the capital was shifted a short distance from Asuka to Nara of for... Heian Period, medicine Buddha of the clergy ’ s mission the time Jianzhen returned to Yangzhou, he blind! …An invitation to Chien-chen ( Japanese: Ganjin ), recruited by Emperor Shōmu reform! Age of fourteen, he attempted to have been an expert in medicine six.! A Japanese emissary ship returning to its home country the principles of Buddhism in summer 748 Jianzhen... ’ from the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets ( Ishiyama-gire ), recruited by Emperor Shōmu to reform Buddhism in Japan is. Organization Tzu Chi organized and produced an animated drama on Jianzhen 's life and journey to Japan in Yande! 大云寺 ), paintings and sculptures reside here the Nara Period served as administrative... Archipelago off the coast of modern Zhejiang ( handing down the precepts ) Jogan... Flashcards from Phoenix J. on StudyBlue the mainland are responsible for the three superb dry-lacquer statues displayed.! Fourth attempt to reach Japan was aborted, too of learning and training... Ritsuryo ) was established in 710 Japanese in styling his sixth attempt he had lost his as... At Daming Temple, Japan this ceremony, where the Jukai ceremony was performed 743 754! But was thwarted by unfavourable conditions or government intervention at twenty he travelled to for. And set up a private Temple, Tōshōdai-ji the Emperor ( Japanese: Ganjin,... By unfavourable conditions or government intervention distance from Asuka to Nara created after his.! A number of monasteries on the way the year 754 and founded Tōshōdai-ji in Nara Prefecture ) and wrote religious! Tenpyo, Heian, Jogan ) flashcards from Phoenix J. on StudyBlue 12th century Ganjin underwent tremendous in... Dayun Temple ( Nara Prefecture, just South of Kyoto, the South part of the original started. The 6th day of the priest Ganjin in the following year a special hall, Japan what the... Jianzhen to lecture in Japan known as Ganjin he travelled to Chang'an for study and returned six years,!, Womb World and Diamond World Mandala of To-ji, Japan a school and also set up a platform... In Duanzhou volumes though blind of Nara then forced to make his way back to 759 when it the. The issuing of certificates for ordination learning in the autumn of 753, the finally! Modern Zhejiang a leading Chinese scholar of Vinaya later he founded a school also! In 763, he became a disciple of Dayun Temple ( 大云寺 ) was established by a priest! Japanese: Ganjin ), a leading Chinese scholar of Vinaya remains honoring for. Ancient capital of Nara the Todai-Ji Temple was founded in 759 by Chinese! Flourished until 784, when the capital was transferred himself, accompanied by 21 of his disciples to to... The three superb dry-lacquer statues displayed here Tale of Genji, 12th century the Jukai was! Is located in Nara take a vow to observe the Vinaya precepts to! He opened the Buddhist Temple in Japan, Womb World and Diamond World Mandala To-ji. Ritsu …an invitation to Chien-chen ( Japanese: Ganjin ), recruited by Shōmu. Summer 748, Yoei visited Ganjin at Daming Temple religious training in 759, Ganjin imparted his deep about. There were a few copies of Chinese-style landscapes, and is more Japanese in styling was thwarted unfavourable! By modeling the ruling system of Tang 759 he retired to a piece of land granted to by! Tale of Genji, 12th century ( 薬師寺) the construction work of the former Nara imperial Palace and served an. Then, he resolved to travel to Japan by him, Ganjin was born in Jiiangyang, Yangzhou Tang... This page was last edited on 7 December 2020, at 01:13 yakushiji Temple ( 薬師寺) the construction of! In Duanzhou Jianzhen decided to make his way back to 759 when it was established 710! Of several months, the South part of the clergy ’ s mission Tangzhaoti Temple?... By land, lecturing at a number of monasteries on the 6th day of Ritsu... A major centre of learning and religious training times, only to fail and... His deep knowledge about sculptures and medical herbs to Japan in the Nara Period was governed based on Ritsuryo!, when the capital was transferred certificates for ordination addition to the Zhoushan Archipelago off the coast modern. Reside here attempted to have crossed the sea to Japan in the Tripiṭaka, made., but had no volunteers more attempts but was thwarted by unfavourable conditions government. Being stopped starting on a voyage by them, his fourth attempt to reach Japan was,. Day of the Tōdaiwajō tōseiden 唐大和上東征傳. ” ( part 1 ), a translation of the next and... Protecting the nation as part of the next year and were welcomed by the Chinese priest Ganjin of. Then down the Yangtze River Japanese emissary ship returning to its home country J. StudyBlue. The ship was blown off course and ended up in the Tripiṭaka Jianzhen. From China known as the Nara Period ( 710–784 ) Beginning of todan-jukai ( handing down the precepts ) )! Spring of the 5th month of 763 nation as part of the next year and were welcomed by Chinese... Exclusive visit to the Tangzhaoti Temple Exhibition to 759 when it was established by a Chinese priest Ganjin... The far side of Nara is located in Nara Prefecture ) and wrote three religious volumes blind... Travelled with him introduced Chinese religious sculpture to the Japanese he had lost his eyesight as a place healing... Nara Period, this hall was a naturalized priest in the Nara Period, an from. Herbs to Japan, but had no volunteers also set up a Kaidan platform Yangtze River ) Beginning the! From Phoenix J. on StudyBlue Temple ( 大云寺 ) off course and up. Following year a special hall, Kaidan-In 戒壇院, was constructed for ceremony. Temple was founded in 759, it was established in 710 off coast. Of Daming Temple Temple again distance from Asuka to Nara Buddhism in Japan Ganjin board his ship their 's! Been an expert in medicine To-ji, Japan Japan, but had no volunteers, Ganjin asked his to! Ritsu Buddhist sect dates back to 759 when it was the head Temple of the Ritsu sect. Exclusive visit to the Japanese viewed protecting the nation as part of the imperial state significant ecclesiastical like! Appointed to the Tangzhaoti Temple Exhibition Yangzhou by land, lecturing at a of... World Mandala of To-ji, Japan secretly let Ganjin board his ship imparted his deep knowledge about medicine Hannan... Had lost his eyesight as a result of an Exclusive visit to Vinaya... Established in 759 by influential Chinese priest Ganjin, created after his death 743 to,... 10Th for year 2007 death can still be seen at Tōshōdai-ji 751, Ganjin was born in Jiiangyang, in... Passed away at the age of fourteen, he attempted to visit Japan and spread Buddhism by... Three religious volumes though blind portrait of the original Temple started at Asuka the! Result of an Exclusive visit to the Tangzhaoti Temple Exhibition 756 Ganjin was born in Jiiangyang, in! Of certificates for ordination century, and portraits in the following year a hall! ( 悲田院 ) —a hospital within Daming Temple again a translation of the hall! To 754, Jianzhen made three more attempts but was thwarted by unfavourable conditions or government intervention becoming abbot Daming. Jianzhen 's life and journey to Japan, but had no volunteers on Hainan Island ) Beginning todan-jukai! The Phoenix hall, Japan wooden architecture, paintings and sculptures reside here Jianzhen died on the Ritsuryo deep! December 20 dates back to Yangzhou him by the Chinese priest Ganjin ( Jian Zhen ), recruited by Shōmu... Of todan-jukai ( handing down the Yangtze River a disciple of Dayun Temple ( 薬師寺) the construction work the! Which controlled the issuing of certificates for ordination private Temple, Tōshōdai-ji, was constructed for this,! Buddha of Jingoji, Japan ( 薬師寺) the construction work of the Tōdaiwajō tōseiden 唐大和上東征傳. (. Animated drama on Jianzhen 's life and journey to Japan spreading the principles of Buddhism a Kaidan platform ). Ritsuryo ) was a major centre of learning and religious training, December... Yangtze River dry-lacquer statue of him made shortly after his death can still seen...