Ritual Objects in Todaiji
Ritual Objects in Todaiji
Editor's Note: Photo taken during 2010 Educators Study Tour to Japan. Middle and High School Educators and School Administrators in New York metropolitan area are invited to apply for the 2011 Educators Study Tour to Japan. Applications accepted through January 27, 2011.
Abbot Tsutsui, the head abbot of Todaiji temple in Nara, is explaining the meaning of each of the ritual objects placed in front of the great Buddha (daibustu). The stick in his hand is used to spread pure water over the altar. He is pointing with it to candles and fruits placed higher up on the altar. One of his key points was to explain that there were a number of similarities in the ritual objects used at this shrine with ritual objects in other world religions. His theory is that as both Buddhism and other religions spread, while each retained distinctive qualities and teachings, it was natural that a number of the ritual practices would influence one another. The daibutsu, or great Buddha, is one of the largest images of the Buddha in the world. It was originally constructed in the mid-8th century.
Abbot Tsutsui, the head abbot of Todaiji temple in Nara, is explaining the meaning of each of the ritual objects placed in front of the great Buddha (daibustu). The stick in his hand is used to spread pure water over the altar. He is pointing with it to candles and fruits placed higher up on the altar. One of his key points was to explain that there were a number of similarities in the ritual objects used at this shrine with ritual objects in other world religions. His theory is that as both Buddhism and other religions spread, while each retained distinctive qualities and teachings, it was natural that a number of the ritual practices would influence one another. The daibutsu, or great Buddha, is one of the largest images of the Buddha in the world. It was originally constructed in the mid-8th century.
