Could a Buddhist Bot Alleviate Japan's Loneliness Crisis?

The Buddhist Channel, August 31, 2023

Tokyo, Japan -- Japan, a nation renowned for its collective ethos and bustling urban centers, paradoxically finds itself grappling with a pervasive loneliness epidemic. The cacophony of work-life imbalances, rising suicide rates, and the lingering plight of the post-bubble "Lost Generation" exposes a chilling reality: loneliness has woven itself deeply into the fabric of society, affecting all segments of the population.

Jizo Bosatsu, Where Moss Covered Statues Teaches Patience and Compassion

The Buddhist Channel, 5 August 2023

Kyoto, Japan -- As you wander through the serene and sacred Japanese forest paths and cemeteries, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the statues of Jizo Bosatsu, or Jizos as they are commonly called, a compassionate and revered figure in East Asian Buddhism.

Sensō-ji, the Kannon Temple of Asakusa

The Buddhist Channel, 14 July 2023

Tokyo, Japan -- Many first timers setting sight on the grand Sensō-ji temple in Tokyo do not know what to make of what their eyes see. Like a gigantic red dragon hiding behind the corner of a big rock, visitors first approach the temple by entering through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate).

Haein Temple: A Sanctuary of Spiritual Reflection and Cultural Treasures

The Buddhist Channel, 8 July 2023

Daegu, South Korea -- Haein Temple, nestled in the serene surroundings of Gayasan National Park near Daegu, South Korea, has stood as a testament to Buddhist heritage for over a millennium.

This Big Buddha at Kamakura Breathes in Perfect Solitude

by Kooi F. Lim, The Buddhist Channel, 6 July, 2023

Kamakura, Japan -- Awe, reverence and tranquility. The usual testaments one gets to hear as visitors lay their first gaze at the Daibutsu, the Big Buddha of Kamakura.

Tōdai-ji, a Gigantic Monastery Built to Ward Off Disasters

The Buddhist Channel, 3 July 2023

Nara, Japan -- During the Tenpyo era (ca. 729 to 749), Japan experienced a series of disasters and epidemics. Recognizing these national catastrophes, Emperor Shomu (701 – 756) ordered in 741 the establishment of provincial monasteries and temples (寺,dera) in all 66 provinces of Japan. Tōdai-ji (東大寺), the “Great Temple of the East,” became the main temple of the Kokubun-ji, the national monastic system and the center of national ceremonies.

The Giant Buddha of Tōdai-ji: A Testament to Grandeur and Serenity

The Buddhist Channel, 3 July 2023

Nara, Japan -- The Daibutsu (大仏), also known as the Giant Buddha Vairocana of Tōdai-ji, is a remarkable symbol of human ingenuity and spiritual devotion. This awe-inspiring statue holds the title of being the largest gilt bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana in the world and has fascinated countless visitors for centuries.

Kōfuku-ji: A Temple Born Out of A Wife's Prayer

The Buddhist Channel, 30 June 2023

Nara, Japan -- With a history of more than 1,300 years, Kōfuku-ji in the prefecture of Nara is one of Japan's oldest and most famous Buddhist temples.

Ancient murals of Horyuji temple move closer to public display

The Buddhist Channel, 23 March, 2023

Nara, Japan -- Japan's oldest Buddhist paintings are making progress towards their first public display after being severely damaged in a fire at Horyuji temple in 1949. However, it may still be several years before the public can view these renowned artworks, often referred to as the "crown jewels of the art."

The Zen Garden Way of Healing

The Buddhist Channel, 22 June 2023