Japan’s 2nd Buddhist Temple: Horyuji

Larger Than Life: Art that inspires us through the ages

The Golden Hall (Kondo) of Horyuji Temple was once adorned with Buddhist murals similar in style to those of the Ajanta caves in India and Dunhuang caves in China. In 1949, a fire damaged a substantial number of the Horyuji murals. In this photograph, taken before the fire, a seventh-century mural shows Buddha Amitabha’s paradise. Public Domain

From 594 to 622, Prince Shotoku ruled Japan. He certainly lived up to his name, for “sho” means sacred and “toku” means virtue. 

During his reign, he promoted Buddhism in Japan, so much so that he is popularly known as the founder of Japanese Buddhism. After his death, many even called him “Japan’s Shakyamuni.” A historical figure of India, Siddhartha Gautama became known as Shakyamuni after his enlightenment, and his teachings became the foundation for Buddhism.