Hibutsu and Travel Plan Update
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 01:47PM I have been working on creating my itinerary while I will be in Japan. I recently discovered that during my time there some of the pilgrimage temples' hibutsu (secret Buddha) will be open. These images are regarded as highly auspicious and are revealed infrequently. Notably, the hibutsu Kannon at Hasedera (temple 10) will be opened from April 1. The hibutsu at Miidera (temple 13) will be open until April 18. The image at Iwamadera (T11) will be open from April 17 and the one at Kiyomizudera (T25) throughout my time in Japan.
I will probably be staying at least a week to begin with in Kyoto and aim to visit around 10 or so of the temples in the vicinity. After that, I will stay further afield as I pick off the other ones. I am currently struggling to find accommodation in Kyoto since it seems that my first week is a holiday-type week and many places are booked up. I may consider staying in a temple at least part of the time.
Reader Comments (3)
I don't know anything about the origins of hibutsu 秘仏 but as a phenomena they are interesting to consider in terms of the relationship between religion and power don't you think? Restricting access to sacred objects and sites potentially increasing their mystique ...
Absolutely. It seems like an obvious thing to do. By limiting access one almost instantly invests something with a greater mystique and power. In fact, one of my concerns about the supersaturation of Buddhist material on the web and in other places is that its sacred quality will be lost and it becomes just so much information to be devoured with everything else. Unattainability often increases desirability and heightens awareness of the 'specialness' of something.
Yes and I think that aspect of ritual space is important. The downside though is where the ritual game becomes too literal and turns into a power play. Where people have a lot invested in whatever they think is behind the curtain. There's a lot of room for abuse.