Virtual New Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Chokoku-ji Temple

 

     Legend has it that Shodo (735-817) founded Shirayama Shrine in the northernmost frontier of the Imperial territories along Kitakami River.

     Shodo was born to Iwata Takato and Yoshida Azu on April 21st, 735, in Haga County, Shimotsuke Province.  He practiced mountain asceticism from his childhood.  He studied under Nyoi Sozu of Yakushi-ji Temple in Shimotsuke in 762.  It isn't clear what Shodo's Buddhism was like.  In the Kanto Region at the time, some priests belonged to Tiantai Sect, some others were affiliated with Ganjin (688-763), and some people from Korea were moved to the region with the Huayan or Flower Garland teachings.

     In early April of 767, Shodo attempted his first ascent of Mt. Nikko, but failed.  Until the next attempt in 781, his record was blank.  It is possible that he sought other targets.  Some argue his attempt to climb Mt. Nikko had something to do with coping with northern foreigners.

     In early April, 781, he attempted to climb Mt. Nikko again, but failed.  In March, 782, after chanting sutras for 17 days at the foot of the mountain, and after vowing to offer the three treasures to the summit, to worship the divine spirits of Mt. Nikko, and to reach the state of Bodhi at the top of the mountain, he finally succeeded in reaching the summit.  Shodo worshiped the divine spirit of Mt. Nikko for 37 days at the top of it, just as he had vowed.

     Tradition syas that Sakanoue Tamuramaro (758-811) revived Shirayama Shrine and founded Chokoku-ji Temple in its precincts in 807, but he was too busy to visit Mutsu Province in the year.

     On October 12th, 806, Sakanoue Tamuramaro (758-811) proposed to appoint capable and brave people to positions of officers and officials in the counties in Mutsu and Dewa Provinces in addition to the regular number of the positions.  The aim of this policy was to satisfy the desire for honor by giving government positions to as many local influential people as possible in the hope that new appointees would contribute to the stability of the frontier.

     Presumably, those who were given government positions thanks to Tamuramaro's policy might have revived the shrine and founded the temple in the name of Tamuramaro.

Address: Haseyama-288 Nakadacho Asamizu, Tome, Miyagi 987-0611

Phone: 0220-34-6495

Shirayama Shrine

Address: Haseyama-315 Nakadacho Asamizu, Tome, Miyagi 987-0611

Phone: 0220-34-4861