NARA -- Large torches were ignited March 12 during the annual "Shuni-e" two-week training of Buddhist priests at Todaiji temple's Nigatsu-do hall here.

When the approximately 8-meter-long "kagotaimatsu" torches were swung from the parapet of the hall, sparks of fire, which are said to bring good health, were scattered in the night sky, drawing cheers from the visitors.

The Shuni-e ritual, held annually since 752 during the Nara period (710-794), marks its 1,274th edition this year. During the training, 11 priests known as the "rengyoshu" seclude themselves in the hall until dawn each day, praying for peace and a bountiful harvest. This practice has never been interrupted, even when the temple faced the ravages of war, and it is referred to as the "unwavering training."

The torches are used to guide the priests on their way to the hall, and are carried one by one by their caretakers and are lit every night during the training. The ritual concludes in the early hours of March 15 each year, heralding the arrival of spring in the ancient capital.

(Japanese original by Akira Inoh, Nara Bureau)