Influence of Buddhism on Japanese Architecture Essay

Influence of Buddhism on Japanese Architecture - Essay Example The architectural design of Buddhist temples that were introduced in Japan followed the traditional forms that been developed in Korea and China. A number of buildings that made up seven structures were to be found within one compound. These structures included among others the main hall, pagoda, repository for sutras, lecture hall, bell tower, dining hall and dormitory with a wall made of clay enclosing the compound with each of the sides having a gate. In this arrangement, the main object of worship was placed in the main hall with the lecture hall which was construction being used by the monks as study place, religious instructions or for performing various religious rituals. There were also towers in the compound, one housing the bells used for announcing religious daily functions while there was also a tower that housed canonical texts therefore acting as a sutra repository. The dormitories and the mess hall were located either to the sides or behind the inner grounds.Although t he earlier forms of architecture that had been in existence before introduction of Buddhism utilized wood as the main construction martial, introduction of the religion by the Chinese led to novel approaches in the way wood technology was applied in construction. Before the entrance of temple architecture introduced in Japan by Buddhism, there existed simple forms of beam and post technology explored in the design and construction of various structures. This was an important aspect considering the buildings were constructed in a land.