World's 1st comprehensive Buddhist museum opens in Kyoto

[AsahinaKimi]

KYOTO (Kyodo) -- Ryukoku Museum, believed to be the world's first comprehensive Buddhist museum, opened Tuesday in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward.

The three-story museum with a basement was launched by Ryukoku University, a private university based on the spirit of the Shin Buddhism school, to introduce the origin and history of Buddhism, as well as various cultural assets associated with the world renown religion.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, stored items at the university will be on display in featured exhibitions scheduled to be held several times a year. The articles possessed by the university include artifacts collected during an early 20th century expedition in central Asia led by Japanese Buddhist leader and explorer Kozui Otani.


In commemoration of the museum's opening, it is currently holding a special exhibit titled, "Buddha and Shinran," displaying some 660 Buddhist statues and scriptures from Japan and other Asian countries. It will run until March 25, 2012, to coincide with the 750th anniversary next year of the passing of Shinran, the founder of Shin Buddhism.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/arts/news/20110406p2g00m0et115000c.html

[Vehl]

1. Cool!

Museums like these have always been my favorite.
Btw isn't Shin Buddhism related to the Pure Land Buddhist sect? How popular is it, compared to Zen Buddhism?

I'm sure you are probably aware of the Asian Arts Museum in SFO. It's truly fascinating, and is one of my fav ones in the bay area.






^^ a digital recreation of a cave painting, in the Ryukoku Museum. looks stunning indeed.

[AsahinaKimi]

2. I am not really sure however

There are many Buddhists here in SF and many different sects. As for the Asian Art Museum, I am very much a donor and member! They even follow me on twitter!!^^

[Vehl]

3. :)

That's great. I have to thank my college teacher for introducing me to that museum. It has a fantastic collection of Asian exhibits.