Yakushiji Temple
Nara Prefecture · Japan
The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years, and dates from 730. It appears to have six stories, but is in fact only truly three-storied, like the West Pagoda.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Yakushiji, one of the most venerable and historically significant Buddhist temples in Japan. Established in 680 AD during the Hakuho period by Emperor Temmu, this sanctuary was born from a profound personal plea: the…
Listen in the app2The East Pagoda: Frozen Music
Before you stands the East Pagoda, the only original structure to survive from the temple's founding in the 8th century. This three-storied pagoda is a miracle of architectural survival and artistic grace. …
Listen in the app3The West Pagoda: A 500-Year Vision
To the west of the central axis stands the vibrant twin of the East Pagoda: the West Pagoda. While its counterpart has weathered the centuries, the original West Pagoda was lost to fire during civil wars in 1528. …
Listen in the app4Kondo: The Hall of the Medicine Buddha
We now approach the Kondo, or the Golden Hall, the spiritual center of Yakushiji. Rebuilt in 1976, this hall houses the temple's principal object of worship: the Yakushi Triad. …
Listen in the app5Daikodo: The Great Lecture Hall
Behind the Kondo lies the Daikodo, the Great Lecture Hall. Rebuilt in 2003, it is the largest building in the Yakushiji complex, measuring over 41 meters in length. …
Listen in the app6The Parable of Sound: Yushiki Philosophy
As we walk between the grand halls, let us pause to consider the philosophical heart of Yakushiji: 'Yushiki,' or 'Consciousness Only.' To explain this complex idea, the monks of this temple often use a simple parable involving a…
Listen in the app7Genjo Sanzo-in: The Octagonal Tomb
A short walk to the north of the main complex brings us to the Genjo Sanzo-in, a separate precinct dedicated to the great monk Genjo Sanzo. The centerpiece of this area is a striking octagonal building, which serves as a tomb for…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our tour of Yakushiji, take a final look at the twin pagodas rising above the Nara landscape. We have journeyed through thirteen centuries of history, from the original 'Frozen Music' of the East Pagoda to the…
Listen in the app
What is Yakushiji Temple?
Yakushiji Temple is a place in Nara Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Nara Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.3830, 135.7875 |
| Last updated |