LA PINTURA MÍSTICA DEL AMIDISMO BUDISTA EN JAPÓN

Abstract

The Buddhist Sect of Amida's Paradise ("Jodo-shu") inJapan emerged as a reaction against the Esoteric sects of Buddhism. Given the deep and not easily intelligible doctrine of Esoteric Buddhism by ordinary people, this "Sect of the Pure Land" ("Jodo-shu") emerged with a tremendous popularity among !hose people who were looking for an easier way of salvation. lt was offered by this new doctrine, in which salvation could be attainjust by invok:ing Amida Buddha in a determined way. One ofthe main preachers ofthis doctrine was Monk Genshin (942-1 O 17), who was an artist, too. He painted severa! scenes of Amida Buddha coming down to receive the soul of the believers at the time of their death, and to introduce them in the "Pure Land", an eternal paradise. Toe style of those paintings is idyllic and foil of attraction for the followers of Amidism in Japan.