Gokuraku - Jigoku

2014/05/28

Middle Way

The nine Amida statues at temple Joruji-Ji, Nara teach us　浄瑠璃時

that we do not have to go to extremes in our daily life, but can stay in the middle and take things as they come, one at a time, slowly.

. kuhonbutsu 九品仏 the Nine Buddhas .

- quote
The Central Path, Middle Way or Middle Path
(Pali: majjhimā paṭipadā; Sanskrit: madhyamā-pratipad; Umaylam;Chinese: 中道 zhōngdào; Japanese: 中道 chūdō; Vietnamese: Trung đạo; Thai language:มัชฌิมา mátchímaa) is the term that Siddhartha Gautama used to describe the character of the path he discovered that leads to liberation.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Middle Way refers to the insight into emptiness that transcends opposite statements about existence.
- source : wikipedia

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Yakushi Rurikō, Yakushi Ruriko 薬師瑠璃光 resides in the Ruriko paradise in the East.

. Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine 薬師如来 .

Temple Jooruriji 浄瑠璃時 Joruri-Ji
小田原山　浄瑠璃寺

source :　www.y-morimoto.com/hananotera

The pagoda with the image of Yakushi in in the East of the compound.

- quote
Jōruri-ji (浄瑠璃寺)
is a temple of the school of Pure Land Buddhism with an historic Japanese garden located in Kizugawa, Kyoto Prefecture, in Japan. It is one of the only remaining examples of a Paradise garden of the early Heian Period.

The three-storied pagoda, the main hall (hondō), the group of nine sitting Amida Nyorai statues and the group of Four Heavenly Kings are designated as National Treasures.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

Visiting the temple, the first stop is at the pagoda with Yakushi, to pray for help in this world.
Next stop is the main hall with Amida, to pray for help in the next world.

On the way to the temple is a carved stone image of Fudo Myo-O to make just one wish that will be granted . . .
ichigan Fudoo Myoo-Oo 　一願不動明王　 Ichigan Fudo
It is about 1.2 meters high.

On the way to the far mountain temple (Oku no In) is another stone statue of Fudo Myo-O

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- - - - - H A I K U - - - - -

The Middle Way: Paul O. Williams’ Essays on Haiku
The Japanese haiku master Bashō once said that
“The secret of poetry lies in treading the middle path between the reality and vacuity of the world.”
For decades now, Paul O. Williams has been gently pointing out a middle path for those in the haiku community who have an ear to listen. He always weighs in with a combination of reasoned thoughtfulness and humor to point out the absurdities of extremes. His essays on haiku contain an irresistible blend of deep insight and plain common sense.

The essays here were selected from a larger group of articles with an eye to furnishing the reader with the full range of Paul’s contribution to haiku thought while attempting to reduce the repetition unavoidable in pieces written over a long period of time and for a variety of purposes. Paul originally published these essays between 1975 and the present. We have tried to select what is quintessentially Paul O. Williams, presenting his insights into current problems of American haiku.
- source : www.graceguts.com

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. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .

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[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

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2014/05/26

Tenko-Ji Tokyo

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Tenkooji 天光寺 Tenko-Ji
東京都西多摩郡檜原村字本宿801-2
801-2 Motoshuku, Hinohara, Nishitama District

Usukiyama 臼杵山 Tenkooji 天光寺

The temple is located in the nature of the Tama region, with no human dwellings nearby.
The clear river nearby is good for ablutions.
It is a place of ascetic practise and healing.

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kaiun, kai-un 開運御守 amulets for good luck

yakuyoke, mayoke 厄除け . 魔除け with Fudo Myo-O 不動尊札
Fudo Myo-O holds the goma no ken 降魔の剣 sword of conquering evil.
So his amulet is especially helpful. On the back is a script of the Hanya Shikyo Sutra 般若心経.

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tengen reifu 天現霊符 "amulet to show your heaven"
You paint it yourself, so there is only one!
The longer you look at it, the better you can see your very own amulet and it can help you solve problems with health, family or work.

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- Homepage of the temple
- source : www.tenkouji.jp

. Amulets and Talismans from Japan .　

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. Pilgrimages to Fudo Temples 不動明王巡礼
Fudo Myo-O Junrei - Fudo Pilgrims - INTRODUCTION .

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .

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[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

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Nisseki-Ji Oiwa Toyama

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Nissekiji Ooiwasan 大岩山日石寺 Oiwasan, Nisseki-Ji

20 - 日石寺富山県中新川郡上市町大岩163 - Toyama, Kamiichi town

also called
Kongoo Fueji 金剛不壊寺 Kongo Fu-E-Ji

北陸三十六不動尊霊場 Hokuriku
. 36 Fudo Temples in Hokuriku .
Ishikawa, Toyama, Fukui

This is the headquarter temple of the Shingon Misshu (Mitsu-shu) 真言密宗の総本山 Shingon Misshu Esoteric Sect in the Hokuriku region.

The Shingon sect (Shingon Shu 真言宗) has itself many sub-groups.
Here is a Japanese list of them:
- source : www.kotobuki-p.co.jp

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- quote
The temple ... is said to have been founded in the year 725 by the Buddhist saint Gyoki. Here you can see the figure of Fudo Myo-O, God of Fire, carved in the great wall of Oiwa. It has been designated a National Cultural Property.

You can experience the takigyo that hit you at Six waterfalls which is famous for cold ascetic practices.
- source : monogatari.hokuriku-imageup.org

A mountain temple with six large waterfalls.

http://www.town.kamiichi.lg.jp/hp/spot/spot02.html

If you stand under the waterfall in the middle of winter, the six senses are purified (rokkon shojo, rokkon shoojoo) .

http://www.shokoren-toyama.or.jp/~kamiichi/k-oiwa.html

source :　facebok

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The temple Oiwasan Nissekiji was built in 725 during the Nara Period. ... The route is wheel chair accessible.

The image of guardian deity Fudō-myōō (Acala) is carved into the mountain and is now surrounded by the temple building.
- source : www.adventurejapan.jp

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source :　ameblo.jp/toyamajin

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amulets, one is for eye disease - お不動様は眼病を治してくれる

. me　眼 /　目　- Amulets for Eye Disease .

- source and photos : michikusa tetyou.blog74.fc2.com

O-mamori amulet in form of a hyotan gourd ひょうたん形のお守り
If you look into the small opening, you see the image of Fudo Myo-O .

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- Homepage of the temple - 真言密宗大本山大岩山日石寺
source : ooiwasan.com/home.html

- - - Yearly Festivals and Rituals

正月護摩祈禱 Ritual Fire and Purification Rituals in January

January 1月 1日 - 5日---初詣り
January 1月20日---寒修行日（大寒の入り）
Feburary 2月 3日---節分会　当年厄年の方(数え年）（男）25歳・42歳　（女）19歳・33歳
March 3月21日---春分の日（彼岸）
August 8月14日 / 15日・16日---お盆供養
August 8月16日-施餓鬼会
August 8月27日---不動明王大祭　大般若経転読会 Great Fudo Ritual
September 9月23日---秋分の日（彼岸）
November 11月23日---勤労感謝の日
- source : ooiwasan.com/event

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. 行基菩薩 Gyoki Bosatsu .
(668-749 AD) Gyōki

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. Pilgrimages to Fudo Temples 不動明王巡礼
Fudo Myo-O Junrei - Fudo Pilgrims - INTRODUCTION .

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　. TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

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2014/05/22

Yakushi Pilgrims INFO

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Yakushipedia ABC-Index 薬師如来 Yakushi Nyorai Bhaisajyaguru .
. . Yakushi Nyorai - Legends from the provinces . .
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Yakushi Nyorai Pilgrimages 薬師如来霊場 - Introduction

. Yakushi Nyorai 薬師如来 Buddha of Medicine and Healing .

Juuni Yakushi meguri 十二薬師巡り Juni Yakushi Meguri
Juuni Yakushi Reijoo Meguri 十二薬師霊場巡り Juni Yakushi Reijo Meguri

yonjuukyuu yakushi reijo 四十九院薬師霊場 49 temples of Yakushi Nyorai
Yakushi takes care of the soul in the afterlife on day 49 after death.

reichi meguri 霊地巡り pilgrimage to sacred places

Most pilgrimages are to 12 temples.
Some temples show the main statue only in the Year of the Tiger (toradoshi　寅年 / 寅歳）.
- see Tora Yakushi 寅薬師

People come here to pray for health and protection from disaster, preventing disease or healing of a disease and also to pay respect when Yakushi has helped to heal a disease.
mubyoo sokusai 無病息災、当病平癒、厄難消除、所願成就
. Amulets and Talismans from Japan .　

Some pilgrimages require a leader, sendatsu　先達.

source :　www.zauberfloete.jp

. Yakushi Nyorai 薬師如来 Legends .

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Tora Yakushi 寅薬師 / 寅（虎）薬師 "Tiger Yakushi"
The protector deity for people born in the year of the tiger or the day of the tiger.
Named after a statue carved by Kobo Daishi　弘法大師 himself, finished on the day of the tiger, in the hour of the tiger.
- still trying to locate a photo of a statue -
寅の日、寅の刻に成就したので寅薬師
source :　https://pt.foursquare.com

. Honjo hitotsume no Tora Yakushi 本所一ツ目の寅薬師 .
- 大徳院 Daitoku-In, Sumida ward, Tokyo

- quote
Temple Eisho-Ji, Kamakura 　英勝寺
Tora (tiger) Yakushi (Bhaisajya-guru in Skt.), only one of its kind in Kamakura.
A 47-centimeter-tall statue of Yakushi Nyorai sits on a tiger, and the namesake of Tora Yakushi.
- source : www.kamakuratoday.com

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Joosenji 常仙寺 Josen-Ji - Tokyo
Suginami Ward, Tokyo - 東京都杉並区和田1-68-11

- quote
Josen-Ji

kitorashin, kitora-shin 木虎神 "The Wooden Tiger Deity"

- source : tencoo.fc2web.com

When the priest of the present temple was still a lay person he was attacked in the mountains by wolves. He fled to the nearby temple hall of Hooraiji 鳳来寺 Horai-Ji (Aichi), and was then saved by Yakushi Nyorai, who took on the feature of a tiger to drive away the wolf. The man was so impressed that he became a Buddhist priest to serve "Tora Yakushi" and placed a statue of this Buddha in his temple.
The statue is now called
sainan yoke no tora Yakushi 災難除けの寅薬師 "Tiger Yakushi to prevent misfortune and disaster".
- reference : www.tesshow.jp/suginami

. Hooraiji 鳳来寺 Horai-Ji, Aichi, Mikawa .

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Saikooji 西光寺 Saiko-Ji - Kyoto
京都市中京区新京極通蛸薬師上ル中筋町495

With a statue carved by Kobo Daishi himself, carved on the day of the tiger, in the hour of the tiger.
- source : photo-clip.main.j

Now it also means to visit a temple of Yakushi Nyorai on the "Day of the Tiger".

. tora トラ　- 虎　- 寅　the Tiger amulets .

- reference -

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The 12 Vows of Yakushi Nyorai

01 May a radiant light blaze forth from my body after enlightenment, brightening countless realms, and may all beings have perfect physical form, identical to my own.

02 May my body be like pure radiant lapis lazuli, with a radiance more brilliant than the sun and moon, illuminating all who travel in darkness, enabling them to tread upon their paths.

03 By my limitless insight and means, may I enable all beings to obtain the necessities of life.

04 May all beings be shown the path of enlightenment and may adherents to the sravaka or pratyekabuddha paths become established in Mahayana practices.

05 May all beings be aided to follow the precepts of moral conduct. After hearing my name, those who have broken the precepts will be aided to regain their purity and prevented from sinking to a woesome path of existence.

06 May all who are deformed or handicapped in any way have their deformities removed upon hearing my name.

07 May all who are ill be cured upon hearing my name.

08 May all sentient beings who are restrained by their circumstances of birth find a favourable rebirth and progress towards Liberation.

09 May all who are caught in Mara's net, entangled in negative views, be caused to gain correct views and thus practice the Bodhisattva Way.

10 May all who are punished by the king be freed of their troubles.

11 May those who are desperately famished be given food. May they ultimately taste the sublime Teachings.

12 May all who are destitute of clothes obtain attractive garments and various adornments upon concentrating on my name.

Healing in Buddhism - Gordon Bell 1966
- source : www.healing-touch.co.uk

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. Aizu Wakamatsu 会津若松 Yakushi Pilgrims .
Fukushima

Aizu Go Yakushi 会津五薬師 Five Yakushi temples in Aizu

center - 勝常寺（福島県湯川村）- Shoojooji- Shojo-Ji
East - 慧日寺（福島県磐梯町）- Enichi-Ji
West - 上宇内薬師堂（福島県会津坂下町）- Kami-Unai Yakushi Do - 調合寺　/ 峯の薬師
North 北山薬師（福島県北塩原村）- Kitayama Yakushi - 大正寺　Taisho-Ji
South - 野寺薬師（福島県会津若松市）- 慈光寺　Jiko-Ji, Nodera

- and

Aizu Wakamatsu Juuni Yakushi Mairi　会津若松　- 十二薬師巡り 12 Yakushi temples

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Kyoto - 12 Yakushi Temples 京都十二薬師霊場 / 洛陽十二薬師
- source : www.kyoto12yakushi.net - 京都十二薬師霊場会

Saikoku 西国四十九薬師巡礼西国49薬師 - Western Japan
. 49 Yakushi temples in Western Japan - Introduction .
. Saikoku 西国四十九薬師 .
. Saikoku Wikipedia - details .

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. Banshu 播州薬師霊場 21 Yakushi temples in Banshu - Harima / Hyogo 兵庫県 .

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Bunan 武南十二薬師霊場 - Yokohama 12 Yakushi Temples

貴雲寺 Kiun-Ji（曹洞宗）横浜市港北区岸根町614
東泉寺 Tosen-Ji（高野山真言宗）横浜市神奈川区羽沢町1635
東光寺 Toko-Ji (曹洞宗）横浜市保土ヶ谷区上星川町2-34-1
福生寺 Fukusho-Ji（高野山真言宗）横浜市保土ヶ谷区上菅田町744
長王寺 Choo-Ji（高野山真言宗）横浜市都筑区池辺町2827
長昌院 Chosho-In（曹洞宗）横浜市都筑区川向町151
金剛寺 Kongo-Ji（曹洞宗）横浜市港北区小机町952
長福寺 Chofuku-Ji（真言宗大覚寺派）横浜市港北区篠原町2754
薬王寺 Yakuo-Ji（高野山真言宗）横浜市神奈川区七島町6
能満寺 Noman-Ji（高野山真言宗）横浜市神奈川区東神奈川2-32-1
東光寺 Toko-Ji（真言宗智山派）横浜市神奈川区東神奈川2-37
三宝寺 Sanpo-Ji（浄土宗）横浜市神奈川区台町7-1
- source : www.tesshow.jp/yokohama

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Busoo 武相薬師霊場　Buso
(Musashino and Sagami 武蔵(むさし) - 相模(さがみ)
. Buso Toradoshi 25 Yakushi Pilgrimage 武相寅歳薬師如来霊場 . - 25 temples

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中部四十九薬師霊場 Chubu Pilgrimage to 49 Yakushi Temples
49 temples and some bangai

01 - 信濃国分寺　Mino Kokubun-Ji
.
49 - . Gankooji 大寺山願興寺 Daiji San, Ganko-Ji .
Mitake no Kani Yakushi 御嵩の蟹薬師 "Crab Yakushi"

- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !

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中国薬師霊場 Chugoku Yakushi Reijo - 42 temples
日光寺（笠岡市神島外浦）
https://www.tyuugoku49yakushi.com/

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因幡薬師霊場 Inaba Yakushi Pilgrimage
. Inaba Yakushi 因幡薬師 .
The pilgirmage was initiated by 行基菩薩 Gyoki Bosatsu.
Now 30 temples are participating.

01 - 最勝院 Saisho-In
.
30 - 薬師堂 Yakushi-Do

- reference : inabayakusireizyoukai -

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Inage 稲毛七霊場 - Seven Yakushi Temples in Yokohama and Kawasaki

1 薬王山　塩谷寺 Shioya-Ji 天台宗馬頭観音横浜市港北区高田町
2 威徳山　影向寺 Yogo-Ji 天台宗薬師如来川崎市宮前区野川
3 医王山　正福寺 Shofuku-Ji 天台宗薬師如来川崎市宮前区土橋
4 天文山　西光院 Saiko-In 天台宗薬師如来横浜市港北区日吉本町
5 長栄山　光明寺 Komyo-Ji 天台宗薬師如来横浜市鶴見区獅子ヶ谷
6 円瀧山　興禅寺 Kyozen-Ji 天台宗十一面観音横浜市港北区高田町
7 医王山　薬師院 Yakushi-In 臨済宗薬師如来川崎市高津区新作
- source : www.geocities.jp/skipbomber

Inage Yakushi 稲毛薬師霊場
- source : kannonseishi.blog106.fc2.com...

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. 伊予十二薬師霊場 Iyo 12 Yakushi Temples . - Shikoku
One for each Zodiac animal.

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出雲十大薬師霊場 Izumo Pilgrimage to 10 important Yakushi temples

01　一畑薬師 Ichibata Yakushi - 一畑寺 Ichibata-Ji
02　平田薬師 Hirata Yakushi - 瑞雲寺 Zuiun-Ji
03　荘原薬師 Shobara Yakushi - 荘厳寺 Shogon-Ji
04　岩野薬師 Iwano Yakushi - 大光寺 Daiko-Ji
05　川跡薬師 Kawato Yakushi - 薬師寺 Yakushi-Ji
06　出雲薬師 Izumo Yakushi - 薬師寺 Yakushi-Ji
07　高松薬師 Takamatsu Yakushi - 相円寺 Soen-Ji
08　真幸薬師 Masaki Yakushi - 福知寺 Fukuchi-Ji
09　半分薬師 Hanbu Yakushi - 浄福寺 Jofuku-Ji　
10　立久恵薬師 Tachikue Yakushi - 霊光寺 Reikoji 　

- reference : zuiunnzi.web.fc2.com -

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. Kanto Yakushi 91 Pilgrimage 関東九十一薬師霊場 .

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. Kazusa 34 Yakushi Pilgrimage 上総国薬師如来霊場 . - Chiba

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. Tango 丹後の七仏薬師 Seven Yakushi Temples of Tango - Kyoto .
related to 麻呂子親王 Prince Maroko Shinno (当麻皇子 Prince Taima no Miko)

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Tokai 東海四十九薬師霊場 / 東海49薬師
. Tokai Pilgrimage to 49 Yakushi Temples .

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Tootomi 遠江四十九薬師霊場 Totomi 49 Yakushi Temples
Mostly in Shizuoka, with extra list - Bangai 51 temples.

01 - 國分寺 Kokubun-Ji
.
49 - 慈恩寺 Jion-Ji
bangai - 福王寺 Fukuo-Ji and 長泉寺 Chozen-Ji

江戸時代中期より以前［享保10年（1732年）の御詠歌が現存］、昭和52年（1977年）霊場奉賛会が発足
・静岡県の浜松市、磐田市、袋井市の3市に札所寺院が点在している
・全行程は、およそ150kmになる。
- reference 遠江四十九薬師霊場 -

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Tsuzuki Tachibana Yokohama 都筑橘樹薬師霊場 12 temples in 2 districts of Yokohama
. 都筑橘樹薬師霊場 12 temples in 2 districts of Yokohama .

- source : rekisisuki.exblog.jp

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Tora 寅歳薬師 Pilgrimage to statues shown only in the year of the Tiger
(寅年)
- source : kannonseishi.blog106.fc2.com...

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. Tama Shikoku Henro 多摩四国八十八箇所 Pilgrimage .
with 10 Temples dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai.

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YAKUSHI NYORAI, YAKUSHI TATHĀGATA
Buddha of Medicine and Healing - Yakushi literally means Medicine Teacher
Lord of the Eastern Paradise of Pure Lapis Lazuli
(Jp. = Jōruri 浄瑠璃, Skt. = Vaiduryanirbhasa).
Yakushi’s full name is Yakushi-rurikō 薬師瑠璃光,
meaning Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Radiance.
Commonly shown holding medicine jar in left hand.
- source : Mark Schumacher -

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. Yakushipedia ABC-Index 薬師如来 Yakushi Nyorai Bhaisajyaguru .

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .

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2014/05/10

Kanshin-Ji Osaka

金堂　Kondo　- Golden Hall

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This Shingon temple, originally founded by a disciple of Kūkai, is located deep in the mountains outside Osaka. It’s superlative carved hidden buddha of Kannon in the ‘style of royal ease’ is opened to the public once a year, on the 17th of April, and closed the next day.
The story of the rape of this image related in HIDDEN BUDDHAS is true.
- source : hiddenbuddhas.com

Dedicated to . Kusunoki Masashige 楠木正成 .

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This temple belongs to some pilgrimages in the Kansai region

関西花の寺二十五番霊場
仏塔古寺十三番霊場
新西国客番霊場
役行者霊蹟札所
神仏霊場大阪十五番 shinbutsu reijo Osaka
- - - - - shinbutsu reijo junpai no michi 神仏霊場巡拝の道. pilgrimage routes of Buddhist and Shinto holy places .

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The main hall of Kanshinji Temple
During the Nara period (646-794 A.D.) sorcerer and ascetic En no Ozunu 役小角 founded this temple, and in the year 827 a disciple of Kobo Daishi (one of the priests who popularized Buddhism in Japan), Jitsu-e　実恵, constructed the temple buildings. His grave is also in the temple compound.
This temple was a place of study for the young Kusunoki Masashige, and is known to have been strongly linked to the southern court of the imperial house. It is also famous for its spring plums and cherry blossoms, the rich reds and browns of the autumn leaves, and its spectacular winter snowscape.　

Inside the spacious precinct of the temple, the overall structure and design is traditional Japanese style, but a closer inspection reveals many details and elements taken from Zen Buddhism, which illustrates the spirit of compromise and syncretism of the era. The main hall has been designated as a national treasure, and in addition there are many other important cultural properties, including unfinished pagodas built by the Kusunoki family.
- source : www.city.kawachinagano.lg.jp

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hoshizuka 星塚 "star mound"

There are seven of them in the layout of the Big Dipper in the temple precincts.
This is the only layout of hoshizuka in Japan.

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Hokuto Nyoirin Kannon 北斗如意輪観音 Nyoirin Kannon of the Big Dipper
When Kobo Daishi 弘法大師空海 prayed to the Big Dipper for support, the idea of the Nyoirin Kannon was born.
The layout of the temple also reflects the structure of the big dipper constellation.

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hokuto no shio 北斗の塩 "salt of the big dipper"

Each pack of salt has been consecrated by the priest. It can be eaten, offered to the deities on the house alter, used to purify the earth or home or just kept as a personal amulet.

- Homepage of the temple
- source : www.kanshinji.com

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Hokushin Bosatsu 北辰菩薩
Myooken Bosatsu 妙見菩薩 Myoken Bosatsu

Originally a deification of the Polestar (hokushin 北辰)
. Hokuto shichisei 北斗七星 the Big Dipper, the Plough - Amulets .

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夜神楽の果てたる北斗七星よ
yokagura no hatetaru hokuto shichisei yo

way above
the night Kagura dance
the Big Dipper !
Tr. Gabi Greve

Kobayashi Takako 小林貴子

. WKD : yokagura 夜神楽 (よかぐら) Kagura dance at night .
kigo for mid-winter

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Chomeiji Tokyo

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. Gofunai 御府内八十八ヶ所霊場 88 Henro Temples in Edo .
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Choomeiji 長命寺 Chomei-Ji
東京都練馬区高野台3-10-3 - Tokyo Nerima ward, Takanodai

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The temple bell and the deva gate of Chomeiji Temple
Chomeiji Temple was constructed in the Edo period and is known to possess many cultural assets, including the temple bell, deva gate, and a color print of performers on a wooden board, all of which are located on the temple grounds.

The temple bell, which hangs in the bell tower, is an elongated copper bell that stands 115 centimeters in height, 63.2 centimeters in diameter, and 6.3 centimeters in edge thickness. The bell was originally used as a signal to gather the monks for an assembly but is now used as joya-no-kane, which means the bell strike on New Year's Eve.

The deva gate, with its beautiful kaerumata decoration (decorative curved wooden support above the main beam), is a structure with a half-hipped roof made from sheet copper and has been preserved as a valuable asset reminiscent of architecture from the late 17th Century.
- source : nerima-kanko-en.blogspot.jp

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Choomeiji hakkei 長命寺八景 eight famous views from Chomei-Ji

本堂 / 南大門 / 東門 / 書院 / 鐘楼堂 / 観音堂 / 奥ノ院

- source : www.neritaka.net/history/cyoumeiji

The temple bell hall - 鐘楼堂
paintings by Okubo san 大久保潤二

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futatsu choochoo kuruwa nikkizu ema 双蝶々曲輪日記図絵馬

- source : www.city.nerima.tokyo.jp/annai

Votive tablet on a wooden board with two kabuki actors
右三代目坂東三津五郎演じる濡髪長五郎 - Nuregami Chogoro on the right
左三代目中村歌右衛門の放駒長吉 - Hanaregoma Chokichi on the left

designed by Torii Kiyonaga 鳥居清長 (1751 - 1815), a famous ukiyo-e painter of his time.

. ema 絵馬 votive tablets - Introduction .

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Futatsu chocho kuruwa nikki - Two butterflies of the licensed quarter

Ichikawa Ebijuro I as Nuregami Chogoro and
Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Hanaregoma Chokichi
at the Kawarazaki theatre in 1820

In this surimono both actors wear the traditional wrestler’s dress of a folded haori jacket across the shoulders, and a second sash (uwajime) over the first to stop it unravelling. The play derived from the puppet theatre and appears to have been based on a true event in which a quarrelsome Sumo wrestler named Nuregami Chogoro killed a samurai and was captured after hiding out at his father’s house in Yawata village. In the play, Hanaregoma Chokichi is an amateur wrestler whose patron is at odds with Chogoro’s patron Yogoro.

In this scene the two wrestlers engage in a test of strength to see who can crush a tea cup with their bare hand. Chogoro succeeds, but the amateur Chokichi has to cheat by hitting the cup against the guard of his sword (katana no scuba). The two later swear allegiance as blood brothers. The words futatsu (two) and chocho (butterflies) in the play’s title pun on the wrestlers’ names, which both include the character cho (long).
- source : www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/gallery

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The temple was founded by the priest 慶算阿闍梨 Keisan Ajari in 1613 as a small retreat to hold a statue of Kobo Daishi.
In 1640 priest 小池坊秀算 Koikebo Shuzan brought a statue of an eleven-headed Kannon from Nara and the temple was named as it is today.

The main statue is the eleven-headed Kannon Bosatsu 十一面観音.

武蔵野観音霊場第一番札所 - Nr. 1 of the Musashino Pilgrimage to 33 Kannon Statues
and
豊島八十八ヶ所 - Nr. 17 - Toshima 88 Henro temples

It is Nr. 17 of this Edo pilgrimage:
. Gofunai 御府内八十八ヶ所霊場 88 Henro Temples in Edo .

- ご詠歌 - chant of the Henro temple 井戸寺 Idoi-Ji in Shikoku :
面影を映してみれば井戸の水　結べば胸の垢や落ちなん
Omokage o utsushite mireba Ido no mizu musubeba mune no aka ya ochinan

- 朱印 - stamp of the temple :

- Homepage of the temple
- source : chomeiji.org

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There are many other temples in Japan with this name.

滋賀県近江八幡市 - Shiga prefecture
- wikipedia -

Choomeiji 長命寺 Sumida ward, Tokyo 墨田区向島5-4-4 - see below

and many more -
- reference 長命寺 -

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Choomeiji sakuramochi 長命寺桜もち
焼皮桜餅- 長命寺 sakuramochi rice cakes from temple Chomei-Ji in Sumida ward
The wrapping is fried on a hot plate and the cherry blossom leaf is lightly pickled in salt.
. sakura mochi, sakuramochi 桜餅 Cherry Blossom Rice Cakes .
kigo for late spring

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長命寺さくらもちより賀状かな
choomeiji sakuramochi yori nenga kana

from temple Chomei-Ji
instead of cherry blossom rice cakes
there comes a New Year greeting . . .

The cut marker KANA is at the end of line 3.

. 久保田万太郎 Kubota Mantaro .

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三つ食えば葉三片や桜餅　
mitsu kueba yoo sanpen ya sakuramochi　

if you eat three
you have three leaves -
sakuramochi

. 高浜虚子 Takahama Kyoshi .

At the temple Choomeiji 長命寺 Chomei-Ji they are wrapped in three leaves, so if you eat three cakes you have nine leaves.

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