Toh Gen Kyo vol.23 - MIHO MUSEUM

The Chinese priest Xuanzang (602–664)–the model the model for Journey to the West, brought many sutras from India to China. Among these sacred texts, which he translated from Sanskrit into Chinese, are 600 volumes of the Great Wisdom Sutras that convey the teachings of emptiness. Of these, the Heart Sutra is the most popular today.

In Edo-period (1615–1868) Japan, there lived a Zen priest named Hakuin who underwent rigorous training and created many paintings and poems. He also wrote on Zen for the general populace. The story of how Hakuin saved the village girl from shame is well known in demonstrating his lofty spirit.

The Chinese priest Xuanzang (602–664)–the model the model for Journey to the West, brought many sutras from India to China. Among these sacred texts, which he translated from Sanskrit into Chinese, are 600 volumes of the Great Wisdom Sutras that convey the teachings of emptiness. Of these, the Heart Sutra is the most popular today. In Edo-period (1615–1868) Japan, there lived a Zen priest named Hakuin who underwent rigorous training and created many paintings and poems. He also wrote on Zen for the general populace. The story of how Hakuin saved the village girl from shame is well known in demonstrating his lofty spirit.

		Bodhidharma by Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769) Edo period, 18th century The painter-priest Hakuin produced this work in his later years. What could Bodhidharma possibly be staring at?
		This exhibition presents various Buddhist sutras and the images and paintings that manifest their teachings. Introduced here are many works representing the astonishing wisdom and enterprise created by Buddhism from ancient times to this day. Animated videos of the Buddha Sakyamuni’s life, the sutra production that went on during the construction of Tōdai-ji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall, and the Chinese master Xuanzang’s journey to India will also be shown for the enjoyment of children and young visitors. We hope that you will explore the world of Buddhism through this exhibition.
	Fragment of the Lotus Sutra (Togakushi Edition) Heian period, 12th century Calligraphy by Fujiwara no Sadanobu (1088–1156) Quickly brushed letters are executed on this decorated paper with stupas printed in mica.