Byōdo-in Temple

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The Manifestation of Pure Land: The Perfection of the Heian-period Pure Land Garden
Byodoin is a masterpiece of Pure Land gardens, created in the mid-11th century by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, the most powerful figure of the time, who converted his father's villa into a temple. Towards the end of the Heian period (794-1185), social unrest and the spread of the idea of ​​the End of the Law led people to yearn for the Pure Land in the west, ruled by Amitabha Buddha. The Byodoin garden was an attempt to realize this Buddhist utopia in the present world. The central building of the garden, **Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂, Ho-odo)**, faces west and symbolizes **Hoden (寶殿)**, where Amitabha Buddha resides in the Pure Land. The Aji-ike (阿字池) pond in front of the Phoenix Hall is a reproduction of **Hoden Chiten (寶殿池泉)** in the Pure Land. The pond, surrounding trees, and buildings come together to create a magnificent scene of the Pure Land on earth. The Byodo-in Garden is not simply a place of rest, but a space that showcases the essence of Heian period culture, combining the religious faith and artistic aspirations of the aristocracy.

Post by WandererRamzi | Oct 18, 2025