Yakushi-ji Toindo (East Hall) — Local services in Nara

Yakushi-ji Tōindō (East Hall) is one of the significant structures within Yakushi-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. Originally founded in 680 CE by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his consort, later Empress Jitō, Yakushi-ji is a major temple of the Hossō school of Buddhism. The Tōindō, or East Hall, is an essential part of the temple complex, dedicated to the revered monk Jion Daishi (also known as Gien), an important figure in the temple’s history.

The current East Hall was reconstructed in 1285 during the Kamakura period after being destroyed by fire. It features a traditional architectural style with a hipped roof, wooden pillars, and intricate carvings, reflecting the artistic advancements of the time. Inside the hall, the principal image enshrined is a statue of Sho-Kannon (Avalokiteshvara), a bodhisattva of compassion, alongside a statue of Jion Daishi. These statues serve as focal points for worship and spiritual reflection.

The East Hall remains an important place for religious ceremonies and pilgrimages, attracting visitors who seek blessings and inspiration. As part of the UNESCO-listed Yakushi-ji complex, the Tōindō embodies the temple’s long-standing role in Japanese Buddhism, preserving its traditions while offering a place of peace and contemplation for devotees and...

薬師寺東院堂は養老年間(717～24)に造立されたそうです。現在のお堂は弘安8年(1285)に建立されたそうです。 御本尊聖観世音菩薩立像は若々しい気品のある仏像です。書き置きの御朱印をいただきました。...

薬師寺と言えば法話。高田好胤住職が有名です。 コロナ渦でも不定期で法話が聞ける催しをしています。 ２０１９年までは土日に行くと法話が聞けたものですが今は各種行事にすら人を入れず僧侶だけで祭りごとを行っている模様です。 東塔も昨年２０２０春に完成したのにいつまでたっても落慶法要ができずにいます コロナのせいで 現在の東院堂は３軒目の建物です。 平安時代中頃の天禄4年（973年）の火災によって焼失しその後鎌倉時代の弘安8年（1285年）に現在地付近に南向きの建物として再建され、更に江戸時代の享保18年（1733年）には現在と同様の西向きの建築に変...