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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Visits World’s Largest Wooden Temple
Tokyo, 6 November 2003: His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday participated in a Forum entitled "Wisdom & Practice". The Forum was attended by twelve Professors, Assistant Professors of various Universities of the region and Prominent Buddhist Monks. There were also about 50 invited observers who were local dignitaries including monks. This was followed by a visit to Kofukuji Temple, which is believed to be one of the oldest Temples in Nara. His Holiness was warmly welcomed by the Chief Abbot & Monks of the Temple and 300 local Buddhist Pilgrims.
In the afternoon, His Holiness visited Todaiji Temple (largest wooden Temple in the World) which was built in the 8th Century and was once the principal Buddhist temple of Japan. His Holiness was warmly welcomed by the Chief Abbot & other monks at the Entrance. An estimated 3000 cheering pilgrims welcomed His Holiness. After a brief prayer session in the temple which housed a huge Virotsana Buddha, His Holiness was invited for a tea with the Chief Abbot & monks of the Temple.
His Holiness was briefed on the history of the temple and of Buddhism in general in Japan. His Holiness appreciated their intimating Him about Buddhism in Japan & their own affairs and advised them to take interest in philosophical & scientific studies of Buddhism.
In the evening at around five, His Holiness gave a Public Talk to a gathering of about 1300 people in a jam-packed auditorium on "Compassion in Daily Life".
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