Virtual Edo Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #17 Seisui-ji Temple

 

     In 8th century Japan, plagues spread most often in the Tokai-do Region.  They might have been endemic diseases.  In 829, Emperor Junna (786-840) ordered Priest Ennin (794-864) to make prayers to stop the disease.

     Ennin carved a thousand-armed Sahasrabhuja statue.  As he chiseled once, he made 3 prayers.  He put it at Hirakawa, Edo, Musashi Province, where the Hirakawa Gate of the Imperial Palace is located today.  The endemic ended.  Believe it or not.

     The endemic diseases in the Tokai-do Region were more likely to break out when the yearly average temperature was higher than usual.  Aha.  We can make a good guess what type of diseases they were.  Besides religious activities, Ennin might have given local people a couple of lessons: “Even when it is hot and you want to eat something cold, grill or boil your food well.”  “Wash your hands before you eat.”  Or something like that.

     Ennin was born into the Mibu Family in Shimotsuke Province, which was located just north of Musashi Province.  As many of the displaced Silla people had been moved to the Kanto Region, he might have some connection not only with them but also with those in the home land through them.  When Ennin (794-864) made his study trip to Tang China from 838 to 847, support from Silla people, including those who were related with Jang Bogo (787-846), was enormous. For example, Ennin was helped by Silla people living in Chishan to keep staying in Tang, half-illegally though. He stayed in Chishan Fahua Temple, which had been founded by Jang Bogo. Ennin had trouble coming back to Japan too, but, somehow or other, got into Silla trader’s ship. His tribulations and adventures might have given some knowledge on public hygiene.

     Emperor Junna was really concerned over the livelihoods of people.  When he died, he refused to build his tomb, and his ashes were scattered in Sai, Kyoto.

     It isn’t recorded what happened to the Sahasrabhuja statue, but, scientifically speaking, the present statue is supposed to have been carved in the latter half of the 14th century.

     No sooner Priest Keien (?-1604) had revived the temple at the turn of the 17th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) moved to the Edo Castle.  As he enlarged the castle, the temple had to move to Bakurocho.  After the Great Fire of Meireki in March, 1657, the temple removed to its present place.

     Seisui-ji Temple is also the #4 member temple of the Old Edo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage

Address: 2 Chome-25-10 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0036

Phone: 03-3844-7672