Virtual North Kawachi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #17 Kotsu-ji Temple

 

     Kotsu-ji Temple was founded in the summer of the year 1402 by Beppo Daishu (1321-1402), who was supported by Akamatsu Norimura (1277-1350).  The temple was authorized by Emperor Go-Murakami (1328-1368), who was the emperor of the Southern Court, and who, at the time, was based in Kongo-ji Temple from October, 1354 to December, 1359.

     Beppo died in August in the same year.

     The biography of Beppo, which was compiled by Daoxia, a Chan monk from Ming China, in 1405, says,"In the year of Ren-Wu, the master was in Kotsu-ji Temple.  Saints and seculars from neighboring provinces came to invite him.  The master was happy to accept the invitation.  He dreamed of the great Bodhisattva Hachiman, who was dressed in magnificent clothes and said to the master, 'It is fate that you, the monk, are here.  You cannot leave.’  The master sighed and said, ‘How can an old monk dare live or die, and go or come for oneself?’  Bodhisattva thanked the master and left.  In July of that year, he showed signs of illness.  On August 2nd, he passed away.  His disciples built a pagoda.  The pagoda says, 'The master lived to be 82 years old.'"

Address: 5 Chome-16-5 Kisabe, Katano, Osaka 576-0052

Phone: 072-891-2724

Kongo-ji Temple

Address: 996 Amanocho, Kawachinagano, Osaka 586-0086

Phone: 0721-52-2046