Weekend in Japan - Part 2

The Dai-to Pagoda or "Great Pagoda of Peace" at the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple was built in 1984 for world peace.  There is a time capsule beneath this pagoda containing messages and prayers for peace from various world leaders.  The pagoda is 190 feet (58 meters) tall.  To put that in perspective, the Statue of Liberty from base to torch is 150 feet tall.

Inside the Great Pagoda of Peace was this alter with a statue of Acala, or Fudo Myoo.  Acala is not Buddha.  He is one of the Five Guardian Kings usually invoked for spiritual protection.  He is the "destroyer of delusion and protector of Buddhism."  He's just a little scary looking!  

In front of the Great Pagoda of Peace is a fountain park with pathways leading through the woods around three large ponds.  It was a very peaceful place.

Shaka-Do Hall was built in 1858 and was the original main hall of the temple area.

I took the "No Photo In Room" sign to mean that I could take photos from the outside looking in :)

There were places throughout the temple where people hung or tied prayers and messages that they wrote on little wooden plaques or on paper.

Storm clouds started to roll in on my way out.  It didn't rain but it did make for some neat photos!

Sanju-no-to is a three-storied pagoda that stands 82 feet (25m) tall and was built in the 18th century.

Related Posts:
Weekend in Japan - Part 1
Treats from Japan

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"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to

mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles

but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."

~Buddha