ランカ ジー テンプルについて
日本初のスリランカ寺院「ランカジ」.
It was founded in 1989 in Sawara City, Chiba Prefecture, with Reverend Panagara Upatissa in charge.
It is also the base of activities of the Mahabodhi Society in Japan, and it also provides diplomatic assistance on a national level together with the Sri Lankan Embassy, and at the same time serves as a spiritual home for Sri Lankans living in Japan who are far from their homeland. It also plays a role in communication in Japan.
His activities in Japan began in 1986 when he came to Japan with the Buddha’s ashes and began practicing Hinayana Buddhism while living in a rented house in Tokyo.
The group moved its base to its current location in Sawara City, Chiba Prefecture, and its main activities include not only missionary work, but also visiting temples and organizations across the country to teach correct Buddhism through sermons.
Another activity is the transmission of culture to children, mainly through early childhood education.
菩提樹にちなんで名付けられた寺院
The name of the temple in Sri Lanka, which is also the parent temple of Lankaji, is Maha Bodhi, which is derived from the Bodhi tree.
Bodhi means enlightenment. It is an evergreen tree of the mulberry family, and it is said that Buddha attained enlightenment under it, and the tree is called Bodhi tree (Bodhi tree in Japanese).
It is said that the Buddha, who attained enlightenment, continued to stare at the Bodhi tree for seven days without moving his eyes, expressing his gratitude and respect for the Bodhi tree.
After the Buddha passed away, the Bodhi tree became a special object of worship as a symbol of Buddha’s enlightenment.
仏舎利供養
Buddha’s ashes refer to the ashes of Buddha.
When Buddha died, his body was cremated, and his ashes and ashes were distributed to eight countries, where pagodas were built and memorial services were held.
The relics of Buddha Riputra and Mokuren, which were kept in the British Museum during the British colonial period, were returned to India through the activities of Anagarika and Dharmapalashi.
In recognition of his achievements, a portion of this was donated by the Indian government to the Sri Lankan government.
The government requested that the ashes be enshrined at the Mahabodhi Society, and for this purpose the Agrasuwaka Temple was built and became the headquarters of the Mahabodhi Society.
Lanka-ji Temple in Japan has “Buddha Shari” in its treasured collection, proving that it is a facility similar to Maha Boudi Temple in his home country of Sri Lanka.
Currently, the Buddha’s ashes are enshrined in the main hall, but we will soon construct a large stupa next to the main hall, and at the same time, we will entrust the ashes of those who have made special requests as a charnel tower to hold a lasting memorial service.
マハーボディ協会とは?
The Mahabodhi Society was founded in 1891 by the Reverend Anagarika Dharmapala in order to spread Buddhism widely with the cooperation of knowledgeable and understanding people around the world.
It engages in a wide range of activities, including the revival of Buddhism, the restoration of Buddhist sites, academic research, and social welfare.
From time to time, we participate in famine relief efforts, open a Red Cross center in the Mahabodhi Society hall, open orphanages, and conduct other welfare activities around the world.
Our activities include providing homes and jobs to people in poverty and building hospitals and school facilities.
We are also actively working to protect temple ruins around the world that have fallen into disrepair in recent years.
Not only is it important to restore crumbling ruins, such as the CHETIYAGIRI-TEMPLE in Sanchi, India, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, but it is also important to provide accommodations around the ruins and provide support for worshipers. This is one of the activities.
We have offices in Sri Lanka, London in the UK, New York, Chicago, and Milwaukee in the US, South Korea, and Japan. The Buddhist flag currently in use was designed by Anagarita Dharmapala.
Reverend Anagarita Dharmapala came to Japan in 1902 and since then has visited Japan four times to seek cooperation.
In recent years, we have received support from the Japanese government and our activities are progressing.
After his death, Reverend Anagarita Dharmapala’s will has been passed down to his disciples, High Priest Pannyattessa, and his disciple, Priest Vanagala Uoattissa.
