Zenkōji and its icon
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into one of Japan's most profound spiritual traditions, centered around a sacred Buddhist icon that has captivated believers for centuries. The mysterious gilt-bronze image of Buddha Amida and his two attendant Bodhisattvas, housed at Zenkoji temple in Nagano Prefecture, represents far more than artistic achievement—it embodies a living spiritual presence that devotees believed could offer salvation and liberation from suffering.
McCallum examines how this remarkable icon became the foundation for an extensive religious movement that spread throughout Japan, inspiring countless replications and fostering a devoted following across all social levels. The tradition promised practitioners tangible spiritual rewards, including protection from hellish realms and eventual rebirth in Amida's western Paradise.
What makes this study particularly compelling is its focus on the lived spiritual experience of worshipers who approached these icons not as mere art objects, but as animate beings capable of responding to prayer and devotion. The author traces how this belief system evolved over centuries, reflecting broader changes in Japanese society, politics, and religious practice.
Through careful analysis of this enduring tradition, readers gain insight into how sacred objects can serve as bridges between the material and spiritual worlds, offering a window into the profound faith that sustained generations of Buddhist practitioners in their quest for enlightenment and ultimate liberation.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 268 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Gods, Buddhist, in art
- ✓ Explore Gods in art
- ✓ Explore Buddhist art
- ✓ Explore Buddhist Gilt bronzes
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Art
- ✓ Explore Buddhist gods, in art
- ✓ Explore Japanese Gilt bronzes
