An exchange pilgrimage between historic old temple in Korea

Oct. 30th to Nov. 3rd, 2004

 In 6th century, Buddhism was brought into Japan from 百済(Paekche) of Korean Sangoku Ages. It was born in India and brought to Korea by way of the Silk Road, China. Korean Buddhism had considerable influence over Japan in the early period. It was seen the statue like a 釈迦三尊像(Shakya Sanzon statue) and 百済観音(Paekche Kannon) in Horyu-ji. And it has developed original Japanese Buddhism.

 In Korea we visited 通度寺(Tongdosa)・海印寺(Haeinsa)・華厳寺(Hwaeomsa)・松広寺(Songwansa) those had a history of 1000 years and famous as "Top of five historic old temple in Korea" and world heritage sites such as 石窟庵(Sokkuram)、 佛国寺(Bulguksa)、八万大蔵経版殿(The 80 thousand complete-of-Buddhist-scriptures versions building) in 海印寺(Haeinsa). And 通度寺(佛宝precious Buddha)、海印寺(法宝precious teaching)、松広寺(僧宝precious monks)are three precious treasures temple in Korea. We were very surprised and moved the history and the gratest of Buddhist temple. We were sometimes reconsidered about keeping the faith by seeing Korean devout Buddhists. We heartily enjoyed Korean Culture (food, entertainments and so on) with fifth senses(eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, hearts) in five days while were a little bit short.

 In the past, many temples were burned and many people were sacrificed in the age of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the Korean dispatch of troops and Japanese colony. "The country is near but far away." It would represent their relationship well. But now we could understand each other and get a chance to make world peace over coming the gaps of countries. We want to connect the circle of exchange that will help the hearts of people in this chance.

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