Fire hits Daishō-in Buddhist temple in Japan, but ‘Eternal Flame’ in Hiroshima is preserved

A large fire hit the historic Daishō-in Buddhist temple, located on the island of Miyajima, province of Hiroshima, Japão, this Tuesday, May 20. The flames completely consumed the Reikado hall, a wooden structure of great cultural and spiritual value. Apesar of the severity of the incident, temple authorities confirmed that the iconic “Eterna Flame”, kept burning for over 1,200 years, was undamaged. Este ancient Buddhist heritage, known for its connection with Parque Memorial of Paz of Hiroshima, now faces the task of reconstruction after the loss of one of its most emblematic spaces.

Salão Reikado is completely consumed by flames

The fire that broke out at the Daishō-in temple culminated in the complete destruction of the Reikado hall, one of the most revered spots within the complex. The structure, built predominantly of wood, was quickly engulfed in flames, leaving only rubble. Este incident represents a significant loss to the cultural and religious heritage of Japão, given the antiquity and symbolism of the site.

The island of Miyajima, where the temple is situated, is world famous for its scenic landscapes and for being home to UNESCO’s Santuário of Itsukushima, Patrimônio Mundial. Daishō-in, although less well-known globally, is a center of profound spiritual and historical importance, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in the country’s rich Buddhist tapestry. The visibility of intense smoke, rising over the island, alerted residents and tourists to the scale of the disaster.

Autoridades locals and emergency teams were called in to contain the spread of the fire, working hard to prevent the flames from spreading to other areas of the vast complex. The Reikado hall, in particular, was a place of great historical significance, where the monk Kukai, a central figure in Japanese Buddhism, is said to have carried out ascetic training centuries ago. Reconstruction of the damaged area promises to be a complex challenge, requiring resources and expertise to restore the integrity of the site.

1,200-year-old Chama Eterna remains intact

A piece of relief amid the destruction was the confirmation that the legendary “Flame Eterna” escaped the fire unharmed. Segundo tradition, this flame has been burning continuously for over 1,200 years, since the founding of the temple. Sua preservation is vital to the continuity of the faith and symbolism associated with the Daishō-in, ensuring that one of the pillars of its identity remains untouched.

The embers of the “Eterna Flame” are kept in a separate area of ​​the main hall, a precaution that proved crucial to their survival during the incident. Esta practice of isolation highlights the importance attributed to the flame by monks and the religious community, ensuring its continuity through the centuries. The flame is a living testament to spiritual resilience and devotion.

Maintaining the “Eterna Flame” involves constant care and daily rituals, performed by generations of Daishō-in monks. Sua’s uninterrupted existence is seen as a symbol of peace and persistence, qualities that resonate deeply in Japanese culture. The news that she was spared brought a sense of hope and continuity to many.

Principais features of Chama Eterna:
• Queima uninterruptedly for over 1,200 years.
• Associada to the monk Kukai and the founding of the Daishō-in temple.
• Suas coals are kept in a safe and isolated location.
• Simboliza the continuity of faith and the search for peace.
• Considerada is the source of the “Flame of Paz” in Parque Memorial of Hiroshima.

Legado of Kukai and the history of the temple

The Reikado hall, now destroyed, had a particular significance as it was linked to the figure of Kukai, also known posthumously as Kōbō-Daishi. Nascido in 774, Kukai was one of the most influential Buddhist monks of Japão, founder of the Shingon esoteric school of Buddhism. Sua’s life and teachings left an indelible mark on Japanese spirituality and culture, with his presence still revered in several temples across the country.

Daishō-in is one of the oldest and most significant temples of the Shingon sect, with a history dating back to the 9th century. Over the centuries, it served as an important center of ascetic learning and practice, attracting many who sought spiritual enlightenment. The temple’s historical architecture and artifacts tell the story of a rich religious and artistic heritage, which reflects the evolution of Buddhism in Japão.

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The temple’s location at the base of Monte Misen, a sacred mountain in Miyajima, also contributes to its mystical aura. Muitos of Daishō-in rituals and practices are intrinsically linked to the surrounding nature and mountainous landscapes. The destruction of Reikado, therefore, is not just the loss of a structure, but also the loss of a space that witnessed centuries of devotion and spiritual reflection, a place where Kukai’s legacy was tangible.

Conexão with Parque Memorial of Paz of Hiroshima

The “Chama Eterna” of the Daishō-in temple holds additional and profound meaning, serving as the origin of the “Flame of Paz” that burns in the Parque Memorial of Paz of Hiroshima. Esta symbolic connection unites the ancient history of Japanese Buddhism with the recent and painful memory of one of humanity’s most tragic events: the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. The Flame of Paz was lit in 1964 and, since then, it has remained lit with the promise that it will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world are destroyed.

Parque Memorial by Paz by Hiroshima was created as a shrine in honor of the bombing victims and as a global call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The presence of the “Flame of Paz”, fueled by the embers of Daishō-in, establishes a direct link between spiritual resilience and the tireless search for a conflict-free future. The flame, in both places, represents hope and the persistence of life.

Esta key link elevates the significance of the incident at the Buddhist temple beyond that of a mere architectural loss. The “Eterna Flame” is a symbol of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, echoing the message of peace and rebirth that Memorial of Hiroshima conveys to the world. Its safeguarding in the midst of the fire reinforces the power and continuity of this vital message. The flame acts as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone of the importance of global harmony.

Histórico from incidents at Daishō-in

The Reikado hall at Daishō-in temple, before the recent devastation, had already recorded fires in the past, according to local press reports. The recurrence of such incidents highlights the vulnerability of historic structures made of wood, especially in regions prone to events such as accidental or natural fires. Maintaining such old buildings presents ongoing challenges for conservators and heritage managers.

The preservation of ancient temples and shrines in Japão is a complex task, involving not only material conservation, but also risk management. Wood, a traditional material in Japanese architecture, although aesthetically rich, is susceptible to fire and deterioration over time. Esforços prevention, fire detection and firefighting systems are constantly reviewed and improved in these historic facilities.

Apesar of setbacks, the story of Daishō-in is also a narrative of reconstruction and resilience. Muitos of Japanese temples have gone through several phases of destruction and restoration throughout their existence, always emerging renewed, but with their historical and spiritual roots intact. The local community and religious authorities will likely come together to restore the Reikado hall, ensuring the temple’s legacy continues.