Jianzhen Da He Shang ／ Ven. Jian Zhen ／ 鑑真大和尚 ／ 鑑真物語
Description
In 742 A.D., the first year of the Xuantianbao reign in the Tang dynasty, two Japanese monks, Rongrui and Puzhao, heard of the reputation of the Chinese monk Jianzhen. They journeyed to Daming Temple in Yangzhou to meet him and invited him to Japan to teach the Dharma. Monk Jianzhen carried the Buddhist teachings across the sea. Despite five failed attempts, the deaths of his disciples, government obstruction, and even loss of sight in both eyes, he remained resolute. He blended the flourishing Chinese Buddhism of the time with Chinese medicine, art, architecture, literature, and more, transmitting these to Japan. Jianzhen introduced the Vinaya precepts to the Japanese sects and indirectly influenced the rise of two prominent Japanese Buddhist figures: Kukai of Shingon and Saichō of the Tendai sect, thereby shaping Japanese Buddhism during the Heian and Kōhō periods. His contributions in architecture, sculpture, calligraphy, painting, medicine, and everyday items left a rich Tang cultural legacy in Japan, earning him the title “giant of cultural integration” there. This anime presents Jianzhen’s life to help viewers appreciate the achievements of this generation of masters.
