Synopsis

Kohfukuji, a designated World Heritage Site, stands as a significant Buddhist temple in Nara, located in western Japan. Gyoei Saile, a German native and one of the temple's priests, recounts his journey to Buddhism to Peter Barakan in a conversation for Japanophiles. He details the rigorous examination he underwent to qualify for the abbotship of Kohfukuji, and offers a glimpse into his daily life. Saile also reflects on the potential role of Buddhism in modern Japan.