~* wavered from Photos submitied THE Buddhist temple of Sanjusangendo in Kyoto, Japan features over 1,000 wooden statues arranged ii) rows (above). The ancient temple (right), built in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266 after burning to the ground, is one of many found within walking distance of tie: Kyoto train station. Going back in time in Kye’ Former capital a testament to Japan’s culture By Andrew McCredie Community Editor THE old Japanese Buddhist was oblivious to the babbling tourists who clamored in front, around, and behind him. His ancient cyes never the 1,001 Kannon-Bosatsu statues that spread out before him in rows like a Buddhist marching army. In stocking feet he methodically shuffled his way fron. one end of the Sanjusangendo holy hall to the other, repeating a silent mantra this Japanese temple has known since it was built aver 800 years ago. In true Zen fashion, the elderly wor- shipper blocked out the Tralian, Canadian and Israeli accents that prattled abour him. It reminded me of a scene I witnessed two years ago in another place of worship, Sacré Cocur Basilica in the Montmartre area of Paris, where worshippers knelt in prayer within carshot of a ud American group with an even louder American guide. But this was the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan's former capital, and the holy shrine of Uncie Randy Productions Presents cy lyrics by TIM RICE: Sanjusangendo is unlike any- thing you'll sce an the Continent. In fact, it’s unlike anything you'll see in Japan. The main religions in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism, and apart from a brief dominance by Shintoism during the Meiji period (1868-1912), have lived in harmony through the ages. Founded in 1164 A.D, by the = Buddhist —- Emperor Goshirakawa, Sangusangendo is built around 1,00] wooden images of Kannon-Bosatsu {the Buddhist god of mercy) — one 1!-foot statue sur- rounded by 1,000 5.5-foot statues. The masterly crafted statues are made of woad, and were built under the direction of the great masters TICKETS ON SALE NOW! April 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2,3 at 8 pm Sunday April 27 at 7pm — Matinee Sunday April 27 at 2 pm Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver Tickets/information - 984-4484 — Groups - 980-7950 Kokei, Unkei and his son Tankei. Each starue is composed of snany partly itollow blocks of wood Hat are roughly carved then assembled into one piece. The detailed figure ts then carved from the block composite, then painted (or “jappaned™) and finally cov- ered in gold leaf. This ancient technique is known as Yosegi- Zukurt. In addition to being lighter than. statues carved from one solid piece of wood, this cechnique makes the stat- See Blossom page 43 The North Shore News presents... Liz Stevenson at the Home Renovation Show April 3 - 6, 1997 Cheap CHIC Decorating Lig Stevenson of Stevenson Design Works will show you how to achieve fantastic results ina fraction of the tine and with less moncy gy Get innovanive ideas for lavish yet economical window dressing, see how two tone stripes are painted on walls using a roller, and simple chairs gone chic. You will also get great ideas using normal and some not so narnial items to decorate and create fun-filled rooms in your hore. 5 Just some of the unique decorating ideas that Liz will demonstrate include * Oil Jamps from bottles * Perfumed and dred flower oil baths * Fun picture frames and other fun ideas. Stevenson Design Works isa full ArchuecturaVinterior Design firm specializing in Custom Home and Renovation Design with over 25 years of expeneace. Liz will soon E be participating on BCTV 's Home Check TV Show with Shell Busew. Liz Steve on the Main Level Thursday, April 3... Friday. April 4 Saturday. April 5 Sunday, Api 6 6:30 pm 2G) pin & 630 pry son will be presenting on the General Maint Interior Decor Stage located J200 pean, 200 pin & 6:30 pm 12.00 noon & 3.30 pen ail or drop off your entry before April 3 to i he North Shore News of 1139 Lonsdale, North Vancouver, f B.C. V7M 2H4