Virtual Hiki Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #8 Enmei-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Enmei-ji Temple was founded, but it was revived in 1684 by Monk Benkei.  Its address suggests that the temple was located in a slightly elevated levee.

     In 1683, Tokugawa Tokumatsu (1679-1683) died young.  His father, Tsunayoshi (1646-1709), deeply grieved the death, as is usual with a parent.  What mattered was that Tsunayoshi was the 5th Shogun.  In May, 1684, he ordered to have pity on animals.  On August 28th, 1684, the Premier, Hotta Masatoshi (1634-1684), who was against the order, was assassinated by Inaba Masayasu (1640-1684), a vice-minister, in Edo Castle.

     Ordinances to be Compassionate to Living Creatures is a common name for various laws and regulations enacted by Tsunayoshi, for the purpose of protecting animals, infants, the injured and the sick.  The protection of animals is often highlighted, but the objects to be protected also included abandoned children, the sick, and the elderly.  After the death of Tsunayoshi, there were ongoing laws and regulations, such as the prohibition of abandoning children and sick people.

     Thus, Ordinances to be Compassionate to Living Creatures can be regarded as a transition from a society in which abandoning people was permitted to another society in which it was not permitted.  The act of abandoning a person came to be considered evil, and as a result, a system was built to protect abandoned people.  Let’s pick up some ordinances, focusing on human creatures.

     On April 11th, 1687,: a notice to raise abandoned children was issued, saying "You don't have to report each abandoned child to government offices.  You can either raise it yourself or give it to whoever wants it.  No money is required."

     On June 19th, 1688, the order to improve the treatment of prisoners was issued, due to many deaths in prison.  In winter, paper screens were installed to prevent the wind from blowing through.  Prisoners can take a quick bath in a wash-tub 5 times a month, and they are given 2 clothes in autumn.

     On October 25th, 1690, a ban on abandoning children was issued, saying "Abandoning children are finally forbidden.  If you can't raise them, you should report to officials."

     On November 3rd: Notification system for children up to 7 years old was established.  “Children's birth, death, getting employed, adoption, and moving should be recorded by the landlord.”

     On August 22nd, 1696: "Do not abandon children.  Inform the landlord about pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, and death before the age of three, etc."

     On February 18th, 1704: "Pity for living things is more important than ever.  Abandoning children, abandoning cows and horses, and abandoning dogs are strictly prohibited."

     If these ordinances really worked and made the society more sympathetic, the sympathy might have included that for the dying and the dead people.  People needed more Buddhist temples to function as hospices and spots for condolence.  It was an opportunity for temple-less monks.

     Benkei didn't miss a chance.

Address: 1285 Nakayama, Kawajima, Hiki District, Saitama 350-0165