Virtual Iruhi Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Shoho-ji Temple

 

     A Kannon-do Hall was founded at the beginning of the 9th century.

     In 806, inspectors were dispatched to Tokaido, Hokurikudo, San'indo, San'yodo, Nankaido, and Saikaido Regions, or to all the regions except Tosando Region.  In 807, Kiyomizu-dera, Hase-dera, and Zentsu-ji Temples were founded.  More than 10 percent of the 88 member temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are said to have been founded in the same year.  In 810, the Chamberlains' Office was put up.  All in all, the central government strengthened their control over local administration.  In the central government, for a while, the Fujiwara Clan gained hegemony.

     Priest Butsuju (?-1354) changed the hall into a temple, Shoho-ji Temple, supported by Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358), the first Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate (1336-1573).  Priest Ingen (1295－1374) transferred the temple to the Linji School of Chan Buddhism.

     Ingen was born in Satsuma Province.  He became a disciple of Priest Tokugo at Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura and entered the Buddhist priesthood at the age of 13.  In 1318, he went to Yuan Dynasty China and studied under Zhongfeng Mingben (1263–1323).  When Qingzhuo Zhengcheng (1274-1339) came to Japan, Ingen followed him.  When Zengcheng entered Kencho-ji Temple, Ingen managed its sutra storehouse.  In 1337, at the request of Muso Soseki (1275-1351), he became the chief priest of Erin-ji Temple in Kai Province.  He was also trusted by the Ashikaga Family, and founded Toji-ji Temple in Kyoto, supported by Ashikaga Tadayoshi (1307-1352), Takauji's younger brother.  He was asked by Ashikaga Yoshiakira (1330-1367), the second Shogun, to found Choju-ji Temple in Kamakura.  He also founded Fuo-ji Temple in Iwase County, Mutsu Province, and other temples.  In his later years, he resided at Choju-jiTemple.  He died at the age of 80, with his grave in Kamakura.  He is said to have brought haricot beans to Japan, and they are called ingen mame, namely Ingen beans.

Address: 960 Ogose, Iruma District, Saitama 350-0416

Phone: 049-292-2725