Yakushi keka　薬師悔過

KEY WORD :　art history / sculptures

Keka 悔過 is a term used in Buddhism meaning repentance of one's sins, and refers to the chanting of prayers to various Buddhist deities to express repentance. When the ceremony is addressed to the *Yakushi 薬師, it is known as Yakushi keka. A very early example of the Yakushi keka ceremony is recorded to have taken place in the year 747, when prayers were said for the Emperor Shoumu's 聖武 recovery from illness. The ceremony itself consists of reciting repeatedly the name of the Yakushi nyorai 薬師如来, and is said to have a magical quality because it is always carried out at night. It was very popular in the 8c-9c. as it was believed to silence the unquiet spirits of those who had fallen in political turmoil.

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