THE TREASURES OF HORYU-JI
In a beautiful setting of pine trees in a courtyard, stands a group of
the oldest wooden buildings in the world. The sun adds a touch of gold
to the gray tile roofs.
Atop a five-story pagoda, or tower, is a shape decorated with nine small
umbrellas. The umbrellas are a symbol of Buddha, after whom one of the
world’s great religions was named. The religion is called Buddhism.
This peaceful place in Ikaruga, Japan, is known as Horyu-ji. It’s the
main temple of a sect, or group, of Buddhists. The group is named for
the prince who built the temple more than a thousand years ago. The name
of the sect and the prince is Shotoku.
The people of Japan really treasure Horyu-ji. It contains many National
Treasures. In Japan, National Treasures include buildings, paintings,
sculptures and other art objects. So, besides being the oldest Buddhist
temple in Japan, Horyu-ji is also a kind of museum—a treasure house
filled with priceless art.
