Today, I write about “Pure land.”
Pure Land ( Jodo ), in Buddhism , is the celestial realm or pure abode of a Buddha or Bosatsu.
11th century, Oshu was Japan’s only gold producing region.
Another one of the region’s famous products was its prized horses.
Fine paper and lacquer, indispensable to the court culture in Kyoto, were also produced here.
However, the land was wasted by war.
Fujiwara Kiyohira tried construction of the Pure Land , in order to commemorate the person who was killed in war.
He built Chusonji in Hiraizumi.
Konjikido is in it.
This small hall is dedicated to Amida Nyorai ( the Buddha of Infinite Light) and apart from the roof ,is covered with gold leaf both inside and out.
Hiraizumi prospered.
Hiraizumi became a big city that ranks second to Kyoto at that time.
However, 1189, the Pure Land was ruined by the samurai 
government.
Europe in the 13th century, Marco Polo travels Asia.
Rustichello da Pisa edits the talk that Marco Polo told as “The Travels of Marco Polo.”
The following is written to the “The Travels of Marco Polo.”
“People on the Island of Zipangu (Japan) have tremendous quantities of gold. The King’s palace is roofed with pure gold, and his floors are paved in gold two fingers thick.”
“The King’s palace” is considered to be the “Konjikido” in Hiraizumi.
Spain of the 1490s
1492, Columbus departed from Palos de la Frontera.
The discovery of a new continent.
However, it seems that it is “Zipangu” which Columbus was looking for.
Columbus did not reach ” Zipangu.”
1689, Matsuo Basho visited Hiraizumi.
He composed following haiku poem.
夏草や兵どもが夢の跡
Natsu-kusa ya
Tsuwamono domo ga
Yume no ato
Summer grasses
All that remains
Of warriors’ dreams
Now , Hiraizumi is a small town (Population is 8000 ).
2011, The ancient Buddhist temples and landscape of Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site
Hiraizumi is about 80 km away from my house.
I am visiting frequently from 1993.
Hiraizumi is my wife’s hometown.
Please visit to my web site.
If you can’t find items you’re looking for, please feel free to contact me.
I will find item which you want.
And it is displayed there.
Thank you.
Bid Agent in “Yahoo Japan auction”
Kazuyoshi Kawahara
kaw8456@salsa.ocn.ne.jp