Praying to the Earth and Building Bridges: Gyoki and the Buddha for the People
Praying to the Earth and Building Bridges - Gyoki and the Buddha for the People
"Buddha does not exist only in temples."
As he spoke, Gyoki looked up at the sky during the Nara period,
He walked through the fields, built bridges, dug ponds, and brought the spirit of Buddha into the lives of the people.
Leaving the temple and listening to the voices of the people
At that time, Buddhism was confined to temples as a protection for the state.
However, Gyoki believed that the teachings of Buddhism should take root among the people,
After leaving the temple, he traveled around the Kinai region, devoting himself to missionary work and social work.
He built 49 temples, 15 reservoirs, and 6 bridges.
It was not just infrastructure, but a form of prayer.
"A bridge connects hearts. A pond nourishes life."
Oppression and Resonance — The Power of the People Moves the Buddha
The Imperial Court deemed their actions heretical and persecuted them.
However, many people gathered around Gyoki, and a circle of cooperation called the Gyoki group was born.
The design, materials, and engineers were all handled by the people.
He also accomplished the miraculous feat of building 15 temples in two years.
This is the prototype of Buddhism walking alongside the people.
It can also be said to be the origin of modern concepts of "co-creation" and "regional culture."
The Road to the Great Buddha — A Culmination of Prayer
In his later years, at the request of Emperor Shomu, he devoted himself to the construction of the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple.
"If you have a heart, even a handful of soil would be fine, please give it to us."
In response to this imperial edict, he traveled around the country to collect donations.
At the age of 78, he was appointed Japan's first great priest.
The title was not a sign of authority, but a testament to the people's trust and prayers.
Why talk about Gyoki now?
Modern society is also plagued by division and loneliness.
In such an era, Gyoki's "Buddhism with the people"
It gives us hints on how to connect culture and life.
The fabrics and words woven by WABISUKE are also
A form of prayer that is close to someone's life.
The story of Gyoki is not just history,
It is a quiet question for us who live in the present.