Virtual Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Rakuho-ji Temple

 

     The Liang Dynasty lasted from 502 to 557.  It was destroyed by the Chen Dynasty (557–589).  Its rump state of Western Liang existed until it was conquered in 587 by the Sui Dynasty (581–618).  The Western Liang Dynasty was located in the middle Yangtze region in today's central Hubei province.  When it was swallowed by the Sui Dynasty, the Emperor of the Western Liang Dynasty, Xiao Cong (558-607), survived and was economically supported by the Sui Dynasty.  In the course of the decline of the Liang Dynasty (or Dynasties), some of the (remaining) vassals and people fled eastward downstream Yangtze River to the territory of the Chen Dynasty.  A man with his Buddhist name Dushou further traveled eastward, presumably with his family and followers.  He crossed the East China Sea, and drifted along the Black Current.   He reached Hitachi Province, from where the Black Current runs further east to North America.  Instead of crossing the Pacific Ocean, he sailed into Katori Sea and arrived at one of its bays in 587.  He founded Takuho-ji Temple there.  The temple's deity, an eight-armed Avalokitesvara statue is scientifically presumed to have been made in the 9th century.  It is unknown and unknowable why it has 8 arms, and what its unique form expresses.

     The Sui Dynasty put an end to the Northern and Southern Dynasties Period (386–589) in China.  It is unpredictable when and how the Mainland-Taiwan Dynasties Period will be closed in present-day China and who will seek refuge in Japan this time.  By the way, the first Mainland-Taiwan Dynasties Period lasted just for 2 decades from 1661 to 1683.

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