Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #1 Jisso-in Temple

 

     Hermit Hodo, who lived in the enchanted land atop the Holy Eagle Peak, or Vulture Peak, in India.  One day, he left there on a purple cloud, passing through China and Baekje, and arrived in Japan.  He descended to Mount Hokke in Harima Province.  The mountain is located in today's Hokkezan, Sakamotocho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2222.

     In 650, by imperial order of Emperor Karu (596-654), Hoto founded Ichijo-ji Temple and many other temples in other provinces.  Zenraku-ji Temple is said to be one of them.

     Zenraku-ji Temple was burned down in 1119, and was revived by Taira Kiyomori (1118-1181) in 1156.  It became a large temple complex with 17 sub-temples, and Jisso-in Temple was one of the subtemples.

     Jisso-in Temple was burned down in 1539, when Akamatsu Harumasa (1495-1565) attacked Edayoshi Castle.  It was revived in 1593.

     Previously, in 1585, Takayama Ukon (1552-1615) started ruling Akashi County, and started building Funage Castle near the sea coast, replacing Edayoshi Castle.  The construction of the castle and its castle town was finished in 1586.  So, Jisso-in Temple was revived as the castle town grew.

     The temple was burned down in 1945 during World War II, but was revived again after the war.

     Jisso-in Temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

Avalokitesvara leads every mind to make a vow

The every mind that comes to worship Avalokitesvara

Is the true nature of all phenomena.

Jisso means the true nature.

Address: 12-25 Taikancho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0897

Phone: 078-911-5073

Ichijo-ji Temple

Address: 821-17 Sakamotocho, Kasai, Hyogo 675-2222

Phone: 0790-48-2006

Edayoshi Castle Site

Address: 4 Chome Edayoshi, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2133

Funage Castle Site

Address: 10-33 Shinmeicho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0027