(1) Mandalas, 2-D interpretations of Buddhist sutras have been part of Japanese tradition for thousands of years. In 1061 Phoenix Hall in Uji, Byodoin, Japan was consecrated as a veneration of “The Visualization Sutra” Buddha Amitabha. This 3-D offering, an architectural piece was financed by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, a politically influential aristocrat and lover of the arts who has been credited with the unique idea and design. It was known to have been compared to Sukhdvati (the pure land of Amitabha) by guests.
Scholars have compared it to traditional temples Earlier temples were much simpler, square with pyramidal roof or rectangular ...
