Virtual Sakai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #20 Sensho-ji Temple

 

     Sensho-an Hermitage was founded by Priest Shorin (1559-1628) as a branch of Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple in 1599, a year after Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), the then ruler of Japan, died.  It became Shoryo-zan Nyorai-in Sensho-ji Temple in 1610.

     In the 17th century, the danka system was established by the Tokugawa Shogunate.  Under the system, the Tokugawa Clan made the affiliation with an official Buddhist temple compulsory to all citizens.  As a result, the number of official Buddhist temples increased.  In Sensho-ji Temple’s precincts, a Kannon-do hall was built in 1660.  The Sakai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in 1702.

     The 9th head priest of Sensho-ji Temple, Keikyo, became an instructor of Takakura Gakuryo in 1770.  Takakura Gakuryo was established in 1665 as an education institution of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and became Otani University in 1911.  His works include one volume of the Jodo Shinshu Seizo Nigyo Benji.  In Pure Land Buddhism, the actions or practices required to attain rebirth in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha are classified into Seigyo, proper practices, and Zogyo, miscellaneous practices.  The proper practices include reciting the Pure Land scriptures, contemplating the appearance of Amida Buddha, worshiping Amida Buddha, chanting the name of Amida Buddha, and praising and making offerings to Amida Buddha.  All other practices are called miscellaneous practices.  He distinguished proper practices from miscellaneous practices.

     When the History of Sakai City was published in 1930, the temple had a main hall, a kitchen, a storehouse, a gate, and the Kannon-do hall.  The precincts covered an area of ​​approximately 449 square meters.

Address: 4 Chome-3-17 Shinzaikechohigashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0964

Phone: 072-233-6393

Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple

Address: 103 Tanaka Monzencho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8225

Phone: 075-781-9171

 

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

Address: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8505

Phone: 075-371-9181

Otani University

Address: Koyamakamifusacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8143

Phone: 075-432-3131