Anrakuji 安楽時   According to the temple’s chronicle, Anryakuji was built on Mt. Sôfuku sometime between 729 and 748 by Gyôgi (670–749). More credibly, it was founded or expanded by Shokoku Isen, a Zen priest who studied in China and returned in 1246 with Chinese Zen priest Rankei Doryu (Lan-hsi Tao-lung, 1213-78). Doryu described Anryakuji [...]

The Asuka Era The period from 592 to 710 is called “the Asuka Era,” because the capital was in Asuka district in the era. It was the cradle-time for the imperial dynasty to establish its sovereignty. Buddhism was brought from China : 538Buddhism was not only a religion but also a vast tome of deep [...]