Nara

16th April

Today I visited Nara, about an hours journey on the train from Kyoto.

Nara was established as Japan’s first permanent capital, Heijō-kyō, in 710 AD, serving as the political and cultural centre until 784 AD. Modelled after the Chinese Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an, this period saw the flourishing of Buddhism, the construction of major temples like Tōdai-ji, and the creation of many UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Incidentally, there are a lot of American tourists in Japan. I met very few in Asia, but I've noticed lots here.

On arriving in Nara, I headed for the park which is famous for its wild deer which are incredibly tame.

It was funny. You could buy special crackers to feed them with. I didn't, but lots of people were. .....I don't understand how some people buy the crackers, but then get annoyed or scared when the deer are following them to try to eat them. 

They certainly knew who had them & who didn't. They must be like biscuits to them.

I walked around the park & then went into the Nara National Museum. 

This was supposed to be a good source of information on the History of Japan......it actually was really only a collection of statues or 'Kannon'. They were nice to look at & pretty ancient, some of them, but I didn't learn much.

Before the entrance there was a section explaining how statues were carved etc & other information about Buddhism - displayed, like it was for school kids.

There was also a place where everyone - adults too - were encouraged to turn a lever which then churned out a leaflet of a statue that, I presume, you were supposed to look for.....I wasn't too sure if I understood it right. It kind of gave information, which I would have said is aimed at primary level, but it was for adults.....wow! 😂

Hmmmmm........

So here's the statue in question. He was certainly very large. Carved from wood.

Here's the other one:

They are a pair of guardian kings:

There were many stautes, as I say, here's a few more:

Seated Male Deity and Female Deity

Heian period (12th century):

Wood with pigments. This pair is composed of a male god with chin whiskers and female god with long flowing hair. The depiction of the body without carving the folds of the

robes Is typical of statues of native deities from the Heian period (794-1185). Both of these statues strike vigorous poses as they gaze off at an angle, and the facial expressions also show a degree of dynamism.

Eleven-Headed Guanyin

China; Tang dynasty, 703-704 (Chang an 3-4)

Stone:

This image of Eleven-Headed Guanyin carved from stone in high relief comes from Baoqingsi Temple in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China. It is notable for the proportions of its slender waist and broad

shoulders. The right hand holds a stamp engraved with two characters (J. metsuzai; Ch. miezui) reading "extinguish sins," representing one of the many ways his bodhisattva fulfills the vow to rescue all sentient beings of this world.

This one had a lot of arms....

Shakamuni (Skt. Śākyamuni)

Descending from the Mountains

Nanbokuchõ period, 14th century

Wood with gold paint:

After six years of ascetic practices, Šākyamuni came down from the mountains having realized the futility of this path to enlightenment. Here we see his emaciated

form borne of those austerities. This iconography is prevalent in Zen contexts, one widespread in paintings but rare in sculpture. The statue is thought to have

been the principal image of worship at the Jödõe, a ritual commemorating Šākyamuni's awakening.

Standing Shakamuni (Skt. Sakyamuni) at Birth. Asuka period, 7th century Bronze:

Säkyamuni's right arm curves with his hand touches his head. Rarely seen elements such as the large-scale airstyle and prominent facial features, as well as the body with its lack of modulation and broad shoulders

are reminiscent of the gilt-bronze buddhas created on the Korean peninsula during the Three Kingdoms period. The work evokes an unmistakable presence despite its small size and simple style.

I really liked these warrior/guardian statues, 12 of them, representing each Zodiac animal:

The Horse (1966, 2026 etc.)

The Boar (1971 etc) - or Pig

The Goat (2003 etc.) - or Sheep

The Hare (2005 etc.) - or Rabbit 

Some other interesting stautes & vessels for wine and a cauldron 

I went for a further walk around the park, encountering more deer and shrines etc.

Counting sticks for Pilgrims to count the steps:

I wasn't feeling too great tbh, I think I'm coming down with a cold or something.

Couldn't resist filming the deer a bit more. These young ones were so cute:

Tired out, I headed for the station to go back to Kyoto.

Nara Streets:

Nursery kids out for a ride:

The train back:

Then back on the local train & a walk to the Hostel 

I have to say, after 4 days, I'm starting to feel a little 'at home' here in the Kyoto suburbs. 

I hope this isn't considered 'racist' but I keep getting this song in my head..... It's from my childhood - 1980 - a ridiculous song really, like so many in the 80's, I'm not really sure what its supposed to be about - Love I guess - but I just remember hearing it a lot!

'Turning Japanese' by The Vapors. He he.....