Yakushiji in Nara, one of Japan's oldest temples, was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the late 7th century for the recovery of his sick wife. It is one of the country's most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples, and is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" UNESCO World Heritage site. Yakushiji's layout is symmetrical, with two main halls and two three-storey pagodas.
Finally made it to #Nara (and back after day trip from Kobe). Not sure how I feel about the #deer the city and park is famous for. Todai-ji was nice to stroll through - quite a sight seeing the huge statues and buildings up close.
Few more pics in next
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A long train ride to Nara and hiking many kilometers around Asuka Village, the cradle of Japanese civilization. The Asuka period ca. 592-710 marked the introduction of Buddhism, Mainland-inspired reforms, and a change of the country name from Wa (倭) to Nippon (日本).
I went to three early 7th Century sites. Okadera was one of the earliest temples, later Kūkai's Shingon, with a large statue of him as a pilgrim.
Ishibutai Kofun means stone stage, the largest megalith in Japan, probably the tumulus of Soga no Umako, a promoter of Buddhism and a reformer with Prince Shōtoku. Dolmen - rock slabs over graves - were common around the ancient world, but the ones at Ishibutai must weigh tons.
Tachibanadera commemorates the birthplace of Prince Shōtoku. It is rich in historical artifacts and beautiful with a field of cosmos blooming now. There is a formation in the temple 二面石 meaning two-faced rock. I'm tempted to use it like an emoji 👺 .
The Kashihara shrine (橿原神宮) area of Nara is a cradle of Japanese civilization formerly known as Yamato. I especially didn't want to miss the archaeological museum, so a couple of its treasures are included here. The shrine is dedicated to the legendary first Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇). The Buddhist temple Kumedera (久米寺) near Kashihara Jingū is a Shingon temple, but it predates the founder Kūkai. It was where Kūkai found the indecipherable Mahāvairocana Sūtra (大日経) that justified his precious voyage to Chang'an, as I alluded recently in the journal paper "Translation Issues in the Rapid Transmission of Esoteric Buddhism from India to China to Japan" at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371965557
This photo was taken while walking along a quiet side street in the Naramachi area of Nara, Japan. A nice and typical mellow scene from this part of the country.
Shot with Mamiya 6 and 50mm f/4 lens on Fuji Astia 100F medium-format slide film. The film was expired for 16 years by the time I shot it, but fortunately the typical Astia colors held up pretty nicely.
Jack Smith is not "hating" Trump.
It's Jack Smith's job to bring career criminals to justice — and he's certainly excellent at it.
It's completely irrelevant, whether Trump is an asshole or not, the job of the prosecutor is to serve justice & the people's Rule of Law, which no one is supposed to be above — not even more or less wealthy sociopathic real-estate developers, who wrongly assume justice should serve & protect them from accountability & the laws of the United States.
Somewhat late #Saturday morning spur decision to head to #Osaka mostly to eat at a specific spot. We stopped there b4 - couple of times already, but getting there on weekend evening after days ventures the lines were too long& no more seats. So hoping late lunch will enable us to get in (It's Shunbun no Hi Vernal equinox but no luck trying to verify online or phone if they are open). Wish us luck!
No worries if not - plenty of spots there to eat (stomach & eyes) #Namba so taking the #Nara#train