ABOUT
In May 2023, a collection of national historic treasures held by Miidera was internationally registered in UNESCO’s Memory of the World. The collection includes 56 national treasures owned by Miidera and the Tokyo National Museum consisting of items left by Chisho Daishi Enchin (814-891), who committed himself to promoting Tendai Buddhism and Esoteric Buddhism. The documents and texts cover a vast array of fields. This site exists to classify and organize the collection, using it to trace Enchin’s lifetime and footsteps.
Life of Enchin
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EPISODE 01
From Sanuki to Mt. Hiei, Divine Experiences with the Kifudoson
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EPISODE 02
Enchin’s Journey to Tang China
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EPISODE 03
Results from Enchin’s Journey to Tang China:
Acquired Sutras and Founding of To-in -
EPISODE 04
Reconstruction of Miidera
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EPISODE 05
Individuals Associated with Chisho Daishi Enchin
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EPISODE 06
Chisho Daishi Enchin’s Final Years
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Chuson Daishi
The faithfully sculpted statue of Chisho Daishi, which expresses his sublime spirit of this great teacher, is enshrined deep within To-in and is of great importance. As a secret Buddha, it is only unveiled on the anniversary of his passing, October 29th, every year.
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The Five Abhisambodhi
The Five Abhisambodhi is a teaching on the visualization of the deities of the five divisions of the Vajradhatu, the oldest Vajradhatu mandala transmitted from India. Despite being a line drawing using black ink, the full-bodied figures of the deities fully express the characteristics of Esoteric Buddhist imagery from the flourishing Tang period
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VR Tour
To-in is the most sacred place in Miidera, serving as the mausoleum of Chisho Daishi, the founder of Miidera. However, a special viewing of the usually private sanctuary buildings is available through a VR recreation that includes the interiors.
