Traditional Temple Research Articles

Trustee, State and Stakeholder: Hindu Temple Management in Contemporary India, 1957–2012

The literature on temple management in colonial and post-colonial India focusses on the dominant role of the trustees and the impact of state intervention. However, this article tries to grasp significance of the role of the stakeholders in the temple management as a bridge between the trustees and the state by analyzing the management history of the Rani Sati temple from 1957 to 2012. It will first explain the historical background of this temple and its managers, the Marwaris. The second section analyzes the form of the temple management from the 1950s to 1970s, and the judicial case against the traditional temple stakeholders, then chief priest and his family members. Because of the national controversy over sati in the late 1980s, public interest groups emerged as the new stakeholders of the temple. Third, this article clarifies the state’s intervention in the temple’s management according to the influence of new the stakeholders. By focussing on the role of the stakeholders, this article discloses how a state intervention can be initiated by the stakeholders and the possibility of transformation of the temple management.JEL: M14, K41, Z12

전통사찰에 대한 법적 보호제도

전통사찰에 대한 법적 보호제도

중국 강남지역 傳統寺刹과 人文景觀의 상호관련성 연구

중국 강남지역 傳統寺刹과 人文景觀의 상호관련성 연구

Effect of apigenin isolated from Aster yomena against Candida albicans: apigenin-triggered apoptotic pathway regulated by mitochondrial calcium signaling

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAster yomena, a perennial herb that grows mainly in South Korea, has been employed in the traditional temple food for antibiotic efficacy. Recently, it was reported that apigenin isolated from A. yomena has a physical antifungal mechanism targeting membrane against Candida albicans. Aim of the studyOur study aimed to investigate the biochemical responses underlying the antifungal activity of apigenin isolated from A. yomena due to lack studies reporting the investigation of intracellular responses of apigenin in C. albicans. Materials and methodsApigenin was isolated from the aerial parts of A. yomena. To evaluate apigenin-induced inhibitory effects and membrane damages, the measurement of the cell viability assay and the flux of cytosolic components were performed with at various concentrations. Intracellular external potassium and calcium levels were assayed by an ion-selective electrode meter, Fura2-AM and Rhod2-AM, respectively. Mitochondrial dysfunctions were analyzed by using JC-1, Mitotracker Green FM, and MitoSOX Red dye. H2DCFDA, glutathione, and MDA assay were used to detect oxidative damage. Also, flow cytometry was carried out to detect apoptotic hallmarks using Annexin V-PI, TUNEL, and FITC-VAD-FMK staining. Tetraethylammoniumchloride (TEA), Ruthenium red (RR), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were used as a potassium channel blocker, mitochondrial calcium uptake inhibitor, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, respectively. ResultsWe confirmed that there was no decrease of cell survival percentages in crude extracts of A. yomena treatment, however, only isolated apigenin has the antifungal effect in C. albicans. Apigenin triggered a dose-dependent mitochondrial calcium uptake followed by mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of the membrane potential and an increase in the mitochondrial mass and ROS. Apigenin also induced intracellular redox imbalance as indicated by the ROS accumulation, glutathione oxidation, and lipid peroxidation. Interestingly, NAC failed the restore the mitochondrial calcium levels and thus alleviate the mitochondrial damages, however, RR reduced the apigenin-induced redox imbalance. Furthermore, apigenin induced apoptosis activation marked by the phosphatidylserine exposure, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activation. The pro-apoptotic effect of apigenin was counteracted by RR and NAC pretreatment. In particular, RR significantly reduced the pro-apoptotic responses. ConclusionsApigenin isolated from A. yomena induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway, and mitochondrial calcium signaling is main factor in its pathway in C. albicans.

The ongoing construction trends in Shaktipithas of Himachal Pradesh-symbols of living religious heritage

Shaktipithas represent India’s rich cultural heritage. The continuity of functions at these sites further reinstates their significance as Living Religious Heritage. Their spiritual value is central to hundreds of millions of people who visit them every year. The growing population, boost in commerce, advancements in construction technology has impacted the construction trends in all spheres and typologies of architecture. Temples, the religious heritage of the country, are being widely affected by this new movement in architecture. These temples were built years ago using characteristic elements from Indian traditional temple styles or regional vernacular elements. With growth in population and rising number of pilgrims, these complexes face shortfall of infrastructure facilities. To accommodate large inflow of pilgrims especially on festivals large scale construction activities are in full swing on these sites. This paper tends to present a thorough insight into the ongoing developments at some popular sites in Himachal Pradesh, India which are in contemporary style using modern methods of construction. It is highly insensitive to the existing character of our religious heritage and deteriorates the built environment. So the need arises to conserve our cultural heritage, take timely measures to make these places sustainable pilgrimage destinations and keep alive their distinct sacred visual impact.

전통창살문양을 활용한 조형활동이 유아의 미술성향 및 창의성에 미치는 영향

전통창살문양을 활용한 조형활동이 유아의 미술성향 및 창의성에 미치는 영향

Characteristic Analysis using the Landscape Preference in the Urban Historic Temple

The traditional temple in the urban landscape is a place of historical and cultural heritage with ethnic values within the city. However, when viewed in a landscape perspective, several problems are implied. This is because the temple is restricted within the territories of the temple when there is a great need for space for gatherers and tourists. Thus, a dissimilar landscape planning and management system from the current traditional temple is required. In this study, the landscape of the traditional temple in the city viewed from Bongeunsa temple grounds was set as the study area and the representative viewpoints within the temple grounds were used as a base of describing the landscape’s image and the factors of the landscape preference was also derived. These factors were then used as a base to create the landscape preference map for the region of Bongeunsa temple to present a visual representative of the place. The factors showed a significant impact on the landscape of Bongeunsa temple were selected to aesthetics, amiability and complexity. The higher the preference of these factors was, the higher the preference was for the landscape as well. The factors representing the landscape image and the landscape map according to the landscape preference of the temple were created to allow regions that showed both low and high levels in the landscape image and preference within the grounds to be visually classified and regions that needed improvements were also displayed. Furthermore, it also allowed elements to be extracted from it. The results of this study was an attempt in creating the landscape map formed based on the landscape of the temple grounds. Key words: air ion, air Vitamin, correlation analysis, GVZ

Doing fieldwork in an acrylic hell: mediations between personhood, art and ethnography in a Thai mural painting

ABSTRACTIn this article, I explore how my scholarly training as an anthropologist informs the way I produce and understand what I do as a traditional Thai temple muralist. Thinking about personhood and context in the process of temple mural painting forges a new reading of murals as ethnographic texts that weave together diverse narrative content, fictional moments and experiential threads. The process of painting temple murals are, like the ethnographic works anthropologists build, a space through which multiple dialogues are encountered, referenced and negotiated. Using anthropology to think about my art practice in a Thai Buddhist temple outside of Thailand, I show how traditional Thai mural artists did not just paint scenes rich in historical and mythical meaning but were (and continue to be) shaped by the audiences who view their intricate and colourful creations. Mural painting, I conclude, is ethnography-in-process. Mural painters like anthropologists, constantly reflect on their art practice as a text sans words, in a dialectical process of entangled agencies as they spin tales of pasts, presents and futures in vivid hues on the walls of Buddhist temples.

전통사찰음식 대중화를 위한 사찰음식에 대한 인식과 음식 선호도연구

전통사찰음식 대중화를 위한 사찰음식에 대한 인식과 음식 선호도연구

New Religions, Depopulation, and the Aging Population

More than 20 percent of Japan’s population is over the age of sixty-five, and 45 percent of all cities, towns, and villages in Japan are classified as “depopulated” by the national government. Researchers have long been aware of the challenges that the aging population and depopulation pose to traditional Buddhist temples. In contrast to those temples, many new religions were formed when people moved from farming villages to cities. This history of providing urban forms of belonging that sometimes fed off of the depopulation that traditional Buddhist temples struggle with has led scholars to overlook ways that depopulation and the aging population might be affecting new religions. This article asks whether and how population change in contemporary Japan is affecting new religions. More specifically, through the use of statistical data, interviews, and newsletters from Konkōkyō and Risshō Kōseikai, two new religions that have locations throughout Japan, it shows that new religions are facing many of the same issues as traditional Buddhist temples. Comparing the organizational form, practices, legal structures, and membership size of these new religions, this article looks at ways that they are affected by depopulation and the aging population and how they are working to serve aging members in depopulated areas.

Nature and Management of Some Marine Ecosystems in Vietnam: A Case Study at The Hon Mun Island at Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a city in Vietnam endowed with several sceneries which has attracted several tourists around the world over the past few decades. The city is highly characterized by coastal features as well as beautiful landscapes. Among these features are; beaches, caves with swift-let birds, resort centers, islands, traditional temples, forts and so on. The act of enhancing economic activities, coupled with some natural factors like; climate change as well as the increasing number of tourists’ over the years has led to the alteration of some of these ecosystems, that gives the city its value, hence, sense of attracting numerous tourists from all walks of life. The Hon Mun Islands are located to the south of Nha Trang Bay. Hon Mun MPA is situated in central - South Vietnam, offshore from the coastal resort city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. The name “Hon Mun” (means Black Island) comes from the high and rugged cliffs forming up caves, particularly black rock here as ebony, very rarely seen elsewhere. Due to the island’s location adjacent to the hot sea-currents from the equator, suitable to the development conditions of corals and various types of tropical sea creatures, the sea bed of Hon Mun is home to an abundant and diverse group of marine species, an interesting and useful place for researchers, oceanographers and tourists to observe and explore more of the sea creatures’ life [1]. It is for these reasons why this study was conducted to delve into the nature, management and threats posed on the ecosystems at the Hon Mun Island at Nha Trang in Vietnam.

주요 사찰에 일제가 심은 전나무 노거수의 식재의미 연구

This study investigates how Abies holophylla was planted as a tree sacred to the gods by Japan during the late Chosun and Japanese colonial periods. This study surveyed the current conditions of old Abies holophylla geological information, year planted, and the relationship between Abies holophylla and traditional Japanese values. The reasons that Abies holophylla was considered a tree sacred to the gods are as follows. Firstly, trees are planted on the spaces between Iljumun and Numun in Buddhist temples of Korea in the same way as trees are planted on the roads for worship in traditional temples of Japan. Secondly, tree diameter at breast height ranged from 60cm to 100cm. This means that the Abies holophylla trees range in age from 70 years to 138 years, showing that the trees were planted at the period between the beginning of Japanese Buddhism(1877) and the Japanese Colonial Period (1945). Thirdly, conclusions regarding why the Abies holophylla were planted in Korean temples at the beginning of Japanese Buddhism will be drawn based on the records that Jingu-Kogo`s Conquest of Silla was taken care of the Suwataisha as a tree sacred to the gods in Japanese tradition. The reason for which Abies holophylla was planted in Korean temples should be evaluated through the remnants of Japan in the past. The issue of the old Abies holophylla in Korean temples should be investigated and further discussed in depth.

Digitalized preservation and presentation of historical building – taking traditional temples and dougong as examples

Abstract. The integration of preservation of heritage and the digital technology is an important international trend in the 21st century. The digital technology not only is able to record and preserve detailed documents and information of heritage completely, but also brings the value-added features effectively. In this study, 3D laser scanning is used to perform the digitalized archives for the interior and exterior body work of the building which contains integration of 3D scanner technology, mobile scanning collaboration and multisystem reverse modeling and integration technology. The 3D model is built by combining with multi-media presentations and reversed modeling in real scale to perform the simulation of virtual reality (VR). With interactive teaching and presentation of augmented reality to perform the interaction technology to extend the continuously update in traditional architecture information. With the upgrade of the technology and value-added in digitalization, the cultural asset value can be experienced through 3D virtual reality which makes the information presentation from the traditional reading in the past toward user operation with sensory experience and keep exploring the possibilities and development of cultural asset preservation by using digital technology makes the presentation and learning of cultural asset information toward diversification.

From Landlord Manor to Red Memorabilia

What was a revolutionary museum in the Mao era, and what are the lives and afterlives of its artifacts? This article traces the exhibitionary culture of the town of Anren, home to both the Mao-era sculptural icon the Rent Collection Courtyard and the Jianchuan Museum Cluster, China’s largest private museum and collection of Maoist memorabilia. Examining the production and reception of exhibits from the 1950s to the present, we argue that—far from mausoleums that relegate objects safely to history—museums in China have been dynamic and vital public spaces that have defined and redefined the past for the present, serving as both a medium and a product of revolutionary culture. Over the last six decades, museums have paraded the revolution’s spoils, served as a schoolroom for class education, replaced traditional temples as new ritual sites, staged theatrical performances, held court over historical cases, and, finally, commodified their collections into tourist memorabilia.

Analysis of Narrative for Mobile e-book Applications with Haeinsa Buddhist Tales

This study describes the humanistic perspective inherent in Korean Buddhism. It is based on a narrative of the establishment of Haeinsa Temple, which is one of the three major Korean traditional temples, and represents the heritage of Korean Buddhism. With this narrative, we developed and implemented mobile content for Android devices titled “Treasures from the Palace of the Dragon King.” Its scenario, which is a folktale of the establishment of the Haeinsa Temple, was created using A.J. Greimas’ Actantial model as the research method. As a result, the content developed by the reconstruction of the scenario consists of mini-games and animations offering an intuitive user experience (UX), which is implemented in a compound E-BOOK for mobile devices. We aim to promote Korea’s traditional culture throughout the world, using this content as a starting point for the future.

The symbolic significance of motifs on selected Asante religious temples

Asante temples are small edifices built over 100 or 200 years ago to house the shrines of some of the deities of the Asante. They are adorned with beautiful motifs which are a body of knowledge about the culture of the Asante, yet not much scholarly work has been done on these motifs on the temples. As a result, a lot of Ghanaians do not know much about the motifs on the traditional temples. This research therefore presents a brief history of selected Asante temples and the symbolic significance of their motifs. The research revealed that the motifs are a storehouse of information regarding the religious beliefs and social norms of the Asante. They enlighten us about symbolism in Asante art and serve as decorations on the temples. The symbols represent concepts and beliefs personified in human and animal forms and geometric shapes. They as well echo some philosophies and wise sayings of the Asante.

사찰건물의 관광 및 교육문화를 위한 상생발전 연구 - 영월지역을 중심으로 -

본 연구는 사찰건물의 관광 및 교육문화를 위한 상생발전의 방안을 연구하고자 한다. 연구대상은 2014년 6월 13일부터 11월7일까지 영월군의 사찰을 대상으로 실태 및 면접조사를 실시하였다. 자료분석은 척도문항을 중심으로 현장조사, 건물소유자와 관리자 면접을 실시하였고, 통계처리는 SPSSWIN 18.0으로 분석하였다. 분석결과는 첫째, 역사적 배경에서 문화재적 가치로 매우 귀중한 지역의 문화자산 인 것으로 파악되었다. 둘째, 주요건물에서는 일반적인 사찰에서 보기 드문 다양한 특색을 나타내고 있음을 확인 할 수 있어 지역의 특화된 관광자원화가 요구된다. 셋째, 관광 및 교육문화자원화가 아직은 미흡한 실정으로 파악 되므로 이에 대한 대책이 절실하다. 본 연구의 시사점은 전통사찰건물 문화의 계승과 현대적 재해석이 필요하며, 이를 토대로 전통사찰문화와 현대문화를 아우르는 디지털관광으로의 발상전환이 시급한 연구가 이루어져야 할 것으로 사료된다. The purpose of this study is to study the coexistent development of the touristic and education cultures of temples. For the study, an investigation on the actual conditions of temples in Youngwol and a set of interviews were conducted from 13th June to 7th November in 2014. The analysis was conducted through the field observations and the interviews with building owners based on the criteria and SPSSWIN 18.0 program was used for statistical processes. The results of analysis are as follows. First, the temples are found to be the extremely valuable local cultural assets with the cultural values and historical backgrounds. Second, the major temple buildings show that they have the unique and distinct characteristics that cannot be found from other general temples, so it is necessary for developing the unique local tourism resources from them. Third, since the study shows that there is a lack of tourism and educational culture resources, so a relevant plan thereof is urgently required. The implication of this study is that there is an urgent necessity for the succession and the modern reinterpretation regarding the cultures of traditional temples, based on which a shift of viewpoint to the digital tourism, which covers both the traditional temple cultures and the modern cultures, could arise.

Bhaktapur, Nepal: the MAL-ED birth cohort study in Nepal.

The Etiology, Risk Factors and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development (MAL-ED) cohort study site in Nepal is located in the Bhaktapur municipality, 15 km east of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Bhaktapur, an ancient city famous for its traditional temples and buildings, is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is a major tourist attraction in Nepal. Nepal is a land-locked country located in South Asia between China and India with an area of 147 181 km(2), ranging from sea-level plains to Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. The total population as of the 2011 census was 26.6 million, with an average annual population growth rate of 1.4. Nepal is one of the world's least developed countries and is ranked 157 of 186 in the 2013 Human Development Report; one-third of the Nepali population lives below the poverty line. The current under-5 mortality rate is 54 per 1000 live births, the infant mortality rate is 46 per 1000 live births, and the neonatal mortality rate is 33 per 1000 live births. Vaccine coverage for all Expanded Program on Immunization vaccines is >80%. Among children, the most common diseases contributing to significant morbidity and mortality are acute respiratory infection and dehydration from severe diarrhea. In this article, we report on the geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic features of the Bhaktapur MAL-ED site and describe the data that informed our cohort recruitment strategy.

A two-step consolidation approach in conserving an unfired clay statue

Wen Pang Guan (Fig. 1), an assistant to the god Hung Shing, was originally installed at I Shing Temple (a traditional Chinese temple) in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, around 300 years ago. This unfired cla...

민속마을과 전통사찰 경내의 파초(Musa basjoo)식재 실태

조선시대 후기 그림 및 문헌에 등장하는 조경식물 파초의 식재 현상과 그 문화적 유풍이 어떻게 전승되고 있는가를 규명할 목적으로 문헌연구와 현장관찰을 통해 국가지정 문화재 민속마을과 전통사찰의 파초식재 실태를 파악한 본 연구의 결과는 다음과 같다. 6개 국가지정 민속마을을 대상으로 한 식재 실태파악 결과, 아산 외암마을과 성주 한개마을 등 아주 한정된 정원에서만 그 유풍이 전해지고 있다. 파초가 식재된 정원은 외암마을의 경우 건재고택과 참판댁 그리고 설인방 등 3곳의 정원에서 발견되었다. 한개마을에서는 북비고택, 하회댁, 교리댁 진사댁 등에서 발견되었으며 주 식재장소는 사랑채와 안채 정면에 모아심기로 되어있다. 한편 파초식재가 확인된 전통사찰은 총 39개소로 나타났으며 파초식재가 현재 가장 성행하는 사찰은 통도사와 부속암자인 극락암으로 밝혀졌다. 파초가 심겨지는 사찰 전각과 그 위치는 대웅(보)전과 관음전 등 석가모니불과 관세음보살을 모신 불전의 계단 좌우에 모아심기형태로 대식(對植)되는 경향이 강하게 나타났다. 파초가 남방계식물인 점을 감안, 파초의 식재분포는 전라남도와 경상도 일원을 중심으로 형성되고 있는 것으로 나타난 바 이는 한반도의 등온선 분포와 상당히 밀접한 관련을 맺고 있는 것으로 특히 온량지수 <TEX>$100^{\circ}$</TEX>, 연평균기온 <TEX>$12^{\circ}C$</TEX>를 기준으로 식재분포가 결정되는 것으로 밝혀졌다. The study on Musa basjoo planting in traditional gardens in of folk villages and traditional temples was conducted to identify the phenomenon of Musa basjoo planting which frequently appears in paintings and literatures of the late Joseon dynasty and how the cultural custom is being handed down. The result of the study is as follows. As a result of studying state-designated folk villages 6 sites, the custom is being handed down in a few limited gardens including Asan Oeam Village and Seongju Hangae Village. In case of Oeam Village, there are three gardens where Musa basjoo was planted including Seolimbang, Vice Minister's Residence, and Geonjae House where Musa basjoo withered now. In case of Hangae Village, it was found in Bukbi House, Hahoe Residence and Gyoridaek Jinsa's Residence and most of them were planted in front of guesthouses and main building with the assemble-planting method. Musa basjoo planting was confirmed in 39 traditional temples and it was found that Yangsan Tongdosa Temple and attached hermitage Geukrakam are currently prevalent in Musa basjoo planting. Musa basjoo was planted on either side of the stairs of Buddhist sanctums for Buddha and Avalokitesvara Guan Yin of main temples and gwaneum temples with the assemble-planting method and it has a tendency of pair planting. Considering that Musa basjoo is a southern plant, most of Musa basjoo planting was distributed around Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, which is closely related to the isotherm distribution of the Korean Peninsula. Especially, it was found that planting flora was centered on <TEX>$12^{\circ}C$</TEX> of Warmth Index <TEX>$100^{\circ}$</TEX> and annual average temperature.