Explore Kansai: Nichiren school of Buddhism in Kyoto and Rimpa

Broadly speaking, three "new" Buddhism schools were born in Kamakura period of 12th to 14th century. The first focused on Amitabha Buddha's western Pure Land, which was led by monks Honen, Shinran, and Ippen to seek salvation after the end of this world. The second focused the enlightenment by concentration and intuition, which was led by monks Eisai and Dogen to seek salvation in this world. Both were somehow supported or resisted by political establishments but did not directly challenge the political matters. But the third school of Nichiren school that put all the importance on Lotus Sutra and was led by monk Nichiren challenged the then shogunate of Kamakura Hojo family. Nichiren expressed that the country would face the existential peril unless adhered to the teaching of Lotus Sutra. Actually around that time Mongol empire attacked Japan twice in 1274 and 1281, both of which Japan repelled the Mongol with the help of the divine wind of untimely typhoons.

Nichiren school was established and expelled in Kyoto a couple of times because of its political inclination in Kamakura and Muromachi periods from 12th to 17th century. But the major figures of Rimpa artists seemed to be associated with this Buddhist school.

Family temple of Hon'ami Koetsu is Honpo-ji, while family temple of Ogata Korin and Ogata Kenzan is Myoken-ji, both of these temple belong to Nichiren school. And both temples are among this year's Winter Kyoto tour promotion.

Winter Kyoto tour promotion of 2015 with Rimpa 400th anniversary note

Honpo-ji specially displays the great nirvana paining by Hasegawa Tohaku during this winter period. The painting is huge and came with comical touch even though it was religious painting and also mourned the untimely death of his son. The other items on display include lacquer boxes by Koetsu. As usual photograph is not allowed for all of those items.