KUKAI: The origin of Japanese esoteric Buddhism
—Means of true wisdom: The Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple
- Date
- July 17, 2024 (Wed) - October 14, 2024 (Mon)
(Every Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat,Sun,Holiday)
- Venue
- Asian Gallery (Toyokan)-TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theater
- Time
- [Wed, Thu, Fri] 12:00、13:00、14:00、15:00、16:00
[Sat, Sun, Holidays] 11:00、12:00、13:00、14:00、15:00、16:00
- Running time
- about 35 min
- Maximum capacity
- 90
- Fee
- High school students and above: ￥600
*Persons over 18 (excluding high-school students) and under 70 require a museum admission ticket.
Elementary and middle school students: ￥300
Preschoolers / people with disabilities and their caretakers: Free
- Supervision of
- Tokyo National Museum, Kyo-o-gokoku-ji Temple (To-ji Temple)
- Production
- TOPPAN Inc.
- Inquiries
- 050-5541-8600("Hello Dial")
Discover the Buddhist monk Kukai’s ultimate teachings in the Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple!
This program features the marvelous Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple in Kyoto. Mandalas, or Buddhist representations of the universe, are usually depicted in the form of drawings or paintings. However, the Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple is represented three-dimensionally in the temple’s Lecture Hall, taking the form of 21 Buddhist sculptures: this unique visualization was unparalleled when it was first constructed in the 9th century.
To-ji Temple was designated the focal point of Esoteric Buddhism by the renowned Buddhist monk Kukai, who was famed for bringing Esoteric Buddhist teachings from Tang-dynasty China (618–907) back to Japan. Entrusted with the temple by Emperor Saga in 823, Kukai created the Sculpture Mandala to impart his ultimate teachings, showing that words alone cannot fully express his worldview.
This program invites you to discover the allure of the Sculpture Mandala through this high-definition, virtual-reality experience.
* Only same-day tickets are available. Please purchase your ticket as early as possible as the ticket counter may be crowded before the screening.
In honor of the date on which Kukai passed away, visitors who view the VR program “KUKAI: The origin of Japanese esoteric Buddhism—Means of true wisdom: The Sculpture Mandala of To-ji Temple” on July 21 (Sun), August 21 (Wed), and September 21 (Sat) will receive an original sticker from TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theater!
*Stickers are available in limited quantities. Only while supplies last.
Campaign Period: September 25-October 6, 2024
At Hotel Okura Yurinoki and Hotel Okura Garden Terrace, visitors who spend 3,000 yen or more on food and beverage will receive a voucher that can be traded for a ticket for this theater.
Website: TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theater
* English audio guides available free of charge
* You may not enter/exit the theater during the screening.