''Pureland Lights - Light of the Pure Land,'' a nighttime viewing event that combines light art representing the Pure Land with sutra readings by young monks, began on October 7, 2023 at Eikando (Zenrinji Temple) in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. A creative stage was dedicated to convey the teachings of Honen in the illuminated Hojo Pond.
It was planned to commemorate the 850th anniversary of the founding of Rikkyo by Honen, the founder of the Nishiyama Zenrinji school of Jodo sect.
A stage play based on a legend in which a prostitute from Murotsu (present-day Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture) sought salvation for Honen, who was exiled to Shikoku due to oppression. While Gagaku music was being played, Honen answered the prostitute, ''If you recite the Nembutsu first, you can be reborn in paradise,'' and the young monks began chanting, ''Namu Amida Butsu.'' The prostitute transforms into a Buddha and dances, pointing towards the west for the finale, which elicits a roar of applause from the audience.
