Virtual Western Edo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #12 Daiun-ji Temple

     Daiun-ji Temple was founded by Priest Doen in Azabu Village, Toshima County, Musashi Province, in 1630.  After Priest Raen died in 1648, the temple became priest-less for a while.  After 1668, the area was urbanized and its population increased.  Priest Rinsui revived the temple.  

     In 1890, the temple moved to its present place.  In 1979, 5 storied building was built in the lot, and the temple moved into its first floor, with its old stone monuments and statues surrounding the building.

     The precincts used to have a Kannon-do Hall, which enshrined an Avalokitesvara statue, whose nickname was Avalokitesvara Looking Back, with its upper body facing slightly to the left.

     Eikan-ji Temple in Kyoto is known for its statue of Amitabha Looking Back.  It also faces slightly to the left.  Does the left side have a meaning in Buddhism?  Does that have something to do with the “Left-Hand Path relation to Tantra in Buddhism”?  Some argue that the statue was part of an Amitabha Triad; an image of Amitabha flanked by Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta.  However, Avalokiteshvara usually stands on the right side of Amitabha, and that means this particular Avalokiteshvara statue was turning its back on Amitabha.  Mysteriously, the Avalokiteshvara statue stands as if she/he was escorting someone else or showing the way to someone else.

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