Recently, the annual dusting ceremony of Buddha statues was held at Karashodai Temple in Nara, where monks dusted nine Japanese national treasures, including the seated statue of the Buddha and the standing statue of the thousand-armed Kannon. This traditional ceremony not only showcases the unique charm of Japanese Buddhist culture, but also highlights the strong momentum of the recovery of Japan's tourism industry.
The Karashodai Temple in Nara was founded in 759 A.D. by the Chinese monk Jianzhen, a high-ranking monk of the Tang Dynasty. This ancient temple bears witness to the rich history of Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and is also a treasure of Japanese Buddhist culture. In 1998, the temple was included in the World Cultural Heritage List and has become a cultural attraction of global attention.
In this Buddha statue dusting ceremony, the monks use a paper brush to gently brush off the dust on the surface of the Buddha statue to show respect for and inheritance of the Dharma. Their expressions are solemn, their movements are skillful, and the whole process is full of solemnity and sacredness. Through this ceremony, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the connotations and values of Japanese Buddhist culture and feel its unique charm.
At the same time, Japan's tourism industry is also experiencing a spring of recovery. According to data from the Japan Tourism Organization, a total of 19.89 million foreign tourists were received from January to October 2023, recovering to 73% of the pre-pandemic level9%。Behind this figure is the result of the joint efforts of Japan** and the travel industry. They are attracting more and more tourists to visit by launching a variety of tourism products and services.
With the epidemic gradually under control, Japan's tourism industry has ushered in the dawn of recovery. The number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 25 million throughout the year, which is a record high. The development of tourism has not only injected new vitality into the Japanese economy, but also provided more employment opportunities and convenience for local residents.
As one of the representatives of Japanese Buddhist culture, Karashodai Temple in Nara attracts many tourists. During the dusting ceremony of the Buddha statues, visitors can not only appreciate the exquisite skills of the monks, but also learn about the historical origin and profound connotation of Buddhist culture. The inheritance and dissemination of this culture not only promotes cultural exchanges between China and Japan, but also enhances the friendship and understanding between the two peoples.
Photographer: Mami Nagaoki
In addition, the development of tourism has also brought more attention and support to Karashodaiji Temple in Nara. As the number of visitors increases, the maintenance and renovation of the temple is supported by more funds and resources. This will help preserve and pass on the precious artifacts and cultural heritage of this ancient temple, allowing it to better serve visitors and devotees.
In conclusion, the dusting ceremony of the Buddha statue at Karashodaiji Temple in Nara not only demonstrates the unique charm of Japanese Buddhist culture, but also highlights the strong momentum of the recovery of Japan's tourism industry. This traditional ceremony and the development of tourism promote and complement each other, injecting new vitality and impetus into Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and tourism development. We look forward to more similar traditional ceremonies and cultural activities in the future, bringing more opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction between the Chinese and Japanese peoples.