Bodhisena
Bodhisena | |
---|---|
Born | 704 |
Died | 760 (aged 55–56) |
Bodhisena or Bodaisenna (704–760) was an Indian
His stay has been noted in the official history records called the Shoku Nihongi, where he is referred to as Bodai-Senna.
Early years
Bodhisena was born in
Voyage to Japan
On the invitation of
On the same ship were other important historical figures.
They included the traveling companions Genbō and Kibi no Makibi. Genbo was a monk and was returning from China with the over 5,000 fascicles that made up the Chinese Buddhist Canon. Kibi brought with him the arts of embroidery, playing the lyre, and the game of Go.
Life in Japan
The party arrived at
According to a number of sources, Gyoki and Bodhisena recognised each other from a past life. According to the
Gyoki:
On the Holy Mount,
In the presence of Sakya,
The self consistent
Truth we swore has not decayed:
I have met with you again!
Baramon Sojo in reply:
The vow we swore
Together at Kapilavastu
Has borne fruit:
For the face of Manjusri
I have seen again today![5]
Gyoki conducted Bodhisena to
In 752,
. Dosen also played a significant role. The painting of the eyes was done by Bodhisena.After a visit to
Bodhisena resided in Daian-ji (大安寺) in Heijō-kyō for the rest of his life. He died on 25 February 760 at Daian-ji temple, and was buried on the Ryoujusen (霊鷲山) mountain, following his wish when he died.
Legacy
Japan's traditional court dance and music still preserve some of the forms introduced by Bodhisena into Japan.[6]
The forty-seven characters of the
He is also revered in China, Korea and Vietnam.
See also
References
- ^ Ambassadors from the islands of immortals: China-Japan relations in the Han-Tang period by Zhenping Wang, page 167
- ^ Music from the Tang Court By Laurence Picken, Laurence Ernest Rowland Picken, R. F. Wolpert, page 31
- ^ Japanese Buddhism By Charles Eliot, page 225
- ^ A Waka Anthology Volume Two: Grasses of Remembrance
- ^ Buddhist hagiography in early Japan: images of compassion in the Gyōki tradition By Jonathan Morris Augustine, page 108
- ^ Cultural Contacts between BIMSTEC Countries and Japan: An Historical Survey by Sanjukta Das Gupta, CSIRD Discussion Paper: 7/2005, November 2005, (pages 5-6)
- ^ "Bodhisena". Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia. Estonian Nyingma. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
External links
- Daian-ji, Japan (in Japanese)
- Ryōsen-ji, Japan (English summary)
- Tōdai-ji, Japan[permanent dead link] (in Japanese)
- The Indian who docked at Osaka