In this video, I will tell you the shocking story of how a Buddhist monk burned down the Kinkaku-ji temple, one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan, in 1950. You will learn about the history, the motive, and the aftermath of this tragic event that shook the nation and the world.
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto that dates back to the 14th century. It is famous for its stunning architecture and gold leaf coating that reflects on the pond below. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Japanese culture and beauty.
However, on July 2, 1950, a young monk named Hayashi Yoken set fire to the temple, destroying it completely. He then attempted to commit suicide, but failed. He was arrested and tried for arson, and other crimes. His trial revealed that he suffered from mental illness and had a deep resentment and obsession with the temple. He claimed that he wanted to destroy the beauty that he could never possess.
The fire shocked and saddened the Japanese people, who considered the temple a national treasure and a source of pride. It also sparked a debate about the role of religion, tradition, and modernity in post-war Japan. The temple was rebuilt in 1955, following the original design, but with more gold leaf than before. It remains a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of the fragility and resilience of human culture.
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By Unknown author - http://maizuru-walker.hp.infoseek.co.jp/zatsugaku/047/index.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3546748
Look at this temple. It was incredibly important
in Japanese culture, but was completely burned by a Buddhist monk. And Japan was outraged. Since 1397, it stood as a testament
to Japan's rich history and spiritual traditions and was known
for its stunning gold leaf exterior. But the nation was sent reeling in 1950,
when a Buddhist monk was driven by the fleeting nature
of material possessions, and set it on fire. Flames completely engulfed
the temple left Japan in complete shock. Newspaper headl
ines
screamed of cultural devastation with one declaring: “National Treasure
Reduced to Ashes”. The nation mourned the loss
of this cherished icon, but came together to rebuild. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience
and renewal. But the monk only served
five of his seven year sentence. The temple's name... Kinkaku-ji. For more interesting stories,
please check out my other content.
Comments
But he was right. We should not go for materialistic things.
You should check the story behind it. It is just crazy.