Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (8)

 

     At the palace of Princess Reishi, the young Emperor's adoptive mother, everything is prepared with even greater care than usual. In the Hosoden pavilion, the spaces between the pillars are partitioned with triple-layered woven curtains beautifully adorned with artificial chrysanthemums. The ladies-in-waiting, too, display their sleeves in stunning layers of autumn colors—chrysanthemums and maple leaves. Watching them, I am suddenly flooded with memories of the past.

     During the late Emperor's reign, we did not usually compete in such extravagance. Yet, the year before last, while observing the ladies' attire from the Upper Chamber, he thought it looked magnificent and decided to have some fun.

     "Let us have the ladies display their sleeves, regardless of their rank," he said. "But do not make it look intentional. Arrange it so it appears they just happened to be sitting there, blending into the background of the decorations."

     He then personally had the ladies seated, directing me, "You there, display yours in the first room."

     While all the other ladies had their sleeves adorned with gentian motifs, my karaginu was a distinct red. Feeling it would look terribly out of place for me alone to blend into the group, I protested, "This looks particularly unsightly!"

     To this, the late Emperor replied with a smile, "What can anyone really see from afar? It doesn't matter. No one has been officially assigned to this role, nor has anyone written any rules about it. Surely you won't stand out." He was determined to go through with his little plot, cleverly spinning an excuse so that I would not be at fault.

     As we all sat in a row with our sleeves protruding from beside the Kurodo pantry, the Emperor watched the display through a small gap in the half-shutters, thoroughly enjoying himself as he gave directions: "Push that sleeve out a little more! Pull that one back in!"

     Recalling how much he delighted in this, I cannot help but think, "How could I ever forget that sight?" and my eyes naturally drift toward the room in a daze. Just as I am thinking to myself, "Perhaps I shall stay at the palace again tonight," the Regent arrives with a message.

     "The Retired Emperor Shirakawa has instructed that two ladies-in-waiting must attend the sacred dance at the Seishodo Hall," he says. "One will be Lady Etsuko, the young Emperor's wet nurse. Could you please attend as the other?"

     Seizing upon this new duty, I think to myself that I can use the preparations for it as the perfect excuse to escape. I immediately send a message to my family: "Please send someone to fetch me at once."

     As soon as darkness falls, their carriage arrives, and I happily slip away.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #22 Anraku-ji Temple

 

     Muryoju-in Temple was founded on the top of Mount Chudoshi in 811 by Priest Shinsho (797-873), who studied under Kukai (744-835).  It was later renamed Chudo-ji Temple.

     When the Akamatsu Clan built Chudojisan Fortress in 1380, the temple was removed to its present location, at the foot of the mountain.  The temple was revived by the Kushihashi Family, transferred to Pure Land Buddhism.  The temple was renamed Anraku-ji then.

     The temple's present precincts have Juo-do Hall.  Juo literally translates to "Ten Kings." These are the ten celestial judges who reside in the realm between this world and the next. Their role is to evaluate the deceased by assessing their deeds during their earthly life.

     The first seven judges preside over the "Seven-Day" cycles. Because traditional reckoning didn't start with zero, the first trial by King Qinguang actually occurs on the 6th day after death. This is followed by King Chujiang on the 13th day, King Songdi on the 20th, King Wuguan on the 27th, King Yanmo (the famous Enma) on the 34th, King Biancheng on the 41st, and King Taishan on the 48th.

     The remaining three kings operate on a more relaxed schedule. King Pingdeng—whose name literally means "equality"—judges the dead after 99 days. Given his name, perhaps he values a healthy work-life balance! The last two are even less occupied: King Dushi oversees the trial on the first anniversary of death, and King Wudaozhuanlun concludes the process after two years.

     Only after this two-year marathon is your final destination determined among the Six Paths (Rokudo):

1. Deva: The realm of celestial beings.
2. Manushya: The human realm.
3. Asura: The realm of warlike demigods.
4. Tiryagyoni: The animal realm.
5. Preta: The realm of hungry ghosts.
6. Naraka: Hell.

     As you can see, there’s no "Heaven" in this system—just varying degrees of rebirth! (Please note that interpretations of the Six Paths may vary across different Buddhist traditions.)

Address: Saikujo-631 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0303

Phone: 079-452-0328

Chudoshisan Fortress SiteA

Address: Shiroyama Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0312

Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (7)

 

     The long bridge, which the young Gosechi dancers would use to ascend before the Emperor, was under construction as usual, with craftsmen busily at work. Seeing the bridge being built exactly as it used to be—stretching from the steps of the Shokoden to the northeast corner door of the Seiryoden—brought back a flood of memories.

     As I stayed by the young Emperor's side until sunset, watching him gaze at the construction with innocent curiosity, my mind drifted back to that early morning when the snow fell.

     The late Emperor had still been asleep when word came that a heavy snow had fallen. In fact, having been on night duty myself, I was right there to accompany him and witness it in the early dawn. Though I have always found snow beautiful, that particular morning was breathtaking. Even the humble dwellings of commoners have their own charm in the snow, but how much more so the magnificent Imperial Palace, adorned like a realm of jewels and mirrors! If only I were a painter, I would have captured every exquisite detail to show the world.

     When the lattice shutters were pushed up, the snow lay so thick that one could hardly tell the plum branches apart from the rest. The bamboo platform in front of the Jinju Hall was bending so low under the weight that it looked ready to break. The fire pit before the Seiryoden was nearly buried, and the sky, darkened by the softly falling flakes, was a magnificent sight.

     The snow piled high along the lattice fence of the Takiguchi guardhouse was enchanting. Perhaps it was the setting, or perhaps my own heart was simply overflowing, but the Emperor’s presence seemed to radiate a brilliant light—making me feel utterly self-conscious about my own disheveled morning appearance.

     "The snow this morning invites us to gaze upon it far longer than usual," I murmured.

Amused, he replied with a gentle smile, "It always looks that way to me."

     Even now, I feel as though I can see his smiling lips right before my eyes.

     That morning, I was wearing a layered Gosechi robe with colors softly blending from yellow to crimson, topped with a crimson-dyed karaginu. The vibrant colors of my attire contrasted so beautifully against the white snow that the Emperor could not bring himself to leave, pausing instead to admire me.

     Just then, a woman's voice—likely a maid from the Takiguchi office—drifted over. Peeking out from beside the lattice fence to look at the weather, she grumbled, "Oh dear, look at this dreadful snow! What are we to do? We won’t even be able to carry our carrying-poles through this."

     Hearing this, the Emperor laughed. "Listen to that. She sounds as if a great disaster has struck. Her words have quite spoiled the beauty of the snow, haven't they?"

The memory of his laughter pierces my heart with deep sorrow.

     Yet, completely unaware of the grief in my heart, the young Emperor tugs at me.

"Give me whatever that craftsman is holding! Come on, hurry! Let me have it before he leaves. Tell him, tell him!" he pleads, turning my face toward him. His innocence is so utterly endearing that, for a moment, my profound loneliness seems to melt away.

     Taking advantage of this commotion and the gathering dusk to slip away, "Well then, I shall take my leave now," I say to those around me.

     They reply in amusement, "Oh, that is absurd! Why leave now without even watching the ceremony?"

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #21 Enpuku-ji Temple

 

     Enpuku-ji Temple's foundation date isn't so clear.

     Akamatsu Mitsusuke (1381-1441) donated a Buddhist chanting hall in 1397.  At the age of 8?  Presumably, someone else built the hall for him for some reason.  As the temple name is after Mitsusuke's posthumous Buddhist name, the hall could have been turned into a Buddhist temple after his death.

     Hosokawa Yoriyuki (1329-1992) was the Regent of the Ashikaga Shogunate (1336-1573) from 1366 mainly under Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), who became the third Shogun in 1369 at the age of 11.  As he entered his adulthood, he wanted to decide and control everything by himself and for himself.

     As its precincts have Hokyoin Tower dated 1379, the place might have been a holy place or a graveyard before the construction of the hall.  Hokyoin Towers were made in stone in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).  It is also during this period that the towers started to be used as tombstones and cenotaphs.

     On February 29, 1379, Mitsusuke's father, Yoshinori (1358-1427), attacked Yoriyasu on Yoshimitsu's orders, and for this service, he was appointed head of the Samurai-dokoro, the Board of Retainers, in the same year.  A certain samurai might have died in fighting.  The death, however, was too early to be memorized with the hall.  What was the reason for the hall to be erected?

Address: Takahata Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0304

Phone: 079-452-1054

Enpuku-ji Temple Sarcophagus

Address: Takahata-544 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0304

Enpuku-ji Temple Hokyoin Tower

Address: Takahata-544 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0304

Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (6)

 

     As the mid-winter seasonal events pass one after another, the time has come for the Gosechi Festival. Because this is the special Gosechi held in the year of the new Emperor’s accession, the dancers are chosen from the highest-ranking families, making it far more grand than usual. Everyone is abuzz, saying it will be a truly spectacular occasion. The ladies-in-waiting keep crowding around me, eagerly asking one question after another:

     "I simply must see the young girls on the day the new Emperor attends the sacred court dances!"

     "On the night of the Tiger, it’s tradition for the courtiers to bare their shoulders, isn't it? From which direction should I watch?"

But I have no heart to answer them.

     My mind drifts back. Was it perhaps because it was to be his very last Gosechi that the late Emperor had shown such extraordinary excitement that year? From the very night the dancers entered the palace, he had made such a delightful fuss. The night wore on late with the girls rehearsing on stage, and the next morning, the Emperor slept in much later than usual.

     Yet, upon hearing that snow had fallen, he arose. The Empress was with him at the time, and they were writing letters to their families. Attending them in their presence, we, the ladies, prepared the decorative hikage cords together and tied them to the letters. >

Now, I find myself standing again in the grand upper chambers—which currently lie empty, without a wife for the young Emperor yet. Looking around, I am flooded with memories of those intimate days we all shared here, and I feel utterly detached, with no interest whatsoever in this year's festivities.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #20 Choraku-ji Temple

 

     Choraku-ji Temple was founded at the foot of Mount Ofuji No. 3 Tumulus in 713 by Priest Jishin.

     The entry dated May 2nd, 713, in Nihon Shoki records that provincial governments were ordered to hand in reports containing the names of counties, villages, and others.  Presumably, the Harima Provincial Government recognized the existence of Choraku-ji Temple with Jishin as its priest in 713.

     As the temple's precincts have a sarcophagus, which is called Kamae-no-Sekikan, or Kamae Sarchophagus, and Argha Spring, a sacred well.  It could have been a holy place since prehistoric days.

     All the temple buildings were burned down in 1578, when the Oda Army invaded Harima Province.  The temple was revived in its present place in 1706.  Its main hall was destroyed in a typhoon in 2011.  The main hall site is still a vacant lot.

Address: Nagamuro-853-1 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0347

Phone: 079-452-2530

Ex-Choraku-ji Temple Site

Address: Nagamuro-862 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0347

Mount Ofuji No. 3 Tumulus

Address: Nagamuro Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0347

Kamae Sarchophagus

Address: Nagamuro-862 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0347

Choraku-ji Temple Akai (Argha Spring; sacred well)

Address: Nagamuro-851 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0347

Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (5)

 

     October 11th is the day of the purification ceremony for the Daijo-e (Great Thanksgiving Festival). People and provisions from all provinces flood into the capital, and the air is thick with final preparations.

     On the day of the actual festival, Fujiwara Nagazane arrives to style the young Emperor's hair. The Minister of the Interior rolls up the blinds of the breakfast room, while the Regent takes his seat on the threshold. Standing on the veranda is Fujiwara Akitaka, striking in his crimson court robe, efficiently directing the entire proceedings.

     As the Emperor’s hair styling is nearing completion, a court official hurries in and reports:

"The new Emperor's adoptive mother, Princess Reishi, has arrived."

The Regent calmly replies, "Understood. Proceed with the ceremony."

     Thus, the ultimate preparations are complete, and the Princess and her retinue stand waiting, arrayed in their magnificent, multi-layered robes.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #19 Kannon-ji Temple

 

     Kannon-ji Temple was founded by Priest Sochin in 1578 in the site of the main keep of Shikata Castle.

Shikata Castle's lord was the Kushihashi Family.  The family produced Mitsu (1553-1627), the wife of Kuroda Yoshitaka (1546-1604), a military strategist during the Warring States Period (1467-1573).  The castle was built in 1492 by Kushihashi Norikore (1433-1487).  In 1573, when either Kushihashi Koresada (1522-1573) or his son, Masakore (?-1578), was the lord of the castle, the castle fell to the Oda Army.

     Sochin is said to have founded Kannon-ji Temple to keep the graves of the Kushihashi Family.

     For your information, the site of the second keep is used as Shikata Elementary School, and Uenomachi Public Hall is built on the site of the west keep.

     Kannon-ji Temple belongs to Caodong Chan School but Mitsu is known as a devoted Pure Land Buddhist, while Yoshitaka and their son, Nagamasa (1568-1623), were once Christian.  Why do we still fight religious wars?

Address: Shikatamachi-720 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0321

Phone: 079-452-2370

Shikata Elementary School

Address: Shikatamachi-1050 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0321

Phone: 079-452-0066

Uenomachi Public Hall

Address: 1093 Shikatacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0321

Phone: 079-452-4251

Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (4)

 

     And so, September arrives. Following the celebratory meal for the Double Ninth Festival on the ninth day, the tenth day also passes.

     On a languid midday, as I glance toward the Kurabeya room, memories from long ago flood back—of how the late Emperor thoughtfully offered to teach me the sutras, saying, "I shall make a clean copy of the sutras I have learned and give it to you." To do this, he went out of his way to move from his usual place before the Buddha, walking through two rooms just to bring the transcript to my chambers. He even fretted, half-shyly, "If I bring these sutras out in public like this, people might laugh at me for favoring you." Remembering how he cherished me far beyond what I deserved, I am deeply moved.

     Suddenly, the young, new Emperor bursts in, breaking my reverie.

"Hold me," he commands, "and show me the paintings on the sliding doors." As he pulls me back to reality, my sorrowful memories seem to fade. But as I hold him and show him the paintings on the doors of the breakfast room, my heart catches. There, on the wall of the Night Palace, I spot the faint traces of flute sheet music that the late Emperor once pasted—a melody he tried to memorize by gazing at it morning and night. Overwhelmed with emotion, I cannot restrain my tears.

Gazing at the faded traces

Of the flute music

Pasted on the wall by his hand,

The past feels nothing but a dream.

     As I sorrowfully press my sleeve to my face to weep, the new Emperor looks up at me with an innocent, puzzled expression. Hoping to hide my grief from the child, I act casually and say, "I only yawned just now, and it brought tears to my eyes."

"I know the truth," he replies softly.

     His words are both endearing and astonishing. "What could you possibly know?" I ask.

     He smiles and answers, "You must have been remembering that name—the one that starts with the character 'Ho', followed by 'ri'."

     Realizing that, despite his tender age, he completely understands that I am mourning Emperor Horikawa, my heart swells with affection for him. My profound sadness momentarily vanishes, and a helpless smile breaks through my tears.

     In this gentle manner, the rest of September passes uneventfully.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #18 Joraku-ji Temple

 

     Joraku-ji Temple was founded in today's Nakanishi Nishikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0043, in 1333 by Priest Meitetsu, who later became the head priest of Komyo-ji Temple, which is the head temple of Joraku-ji Temple.

     The temple functioned as a fort of the Akamatsu Clan.  As the clan declined, so did the temple.  However, the Kanki Family, who are said to be a branch of the Akamatsu Clan, built their fortress around where Joraku-ji Temple is located today, and made the then Joraku-ji Temple their family temple.

     In 1578, when Kanki Yorisada (1550-1578) was the lord of the fortress, Oda Nobutada (1557-1582) killed Yorisada and destroyed the fortress.  The then Joraku-ji Temple was also burned down.  The then priest, Shoshun, built the grave for Yorisada and revived the temple in the fortress site, where Joraku-ji Temple is located.

     In today's Nakanishi Nishikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0043, there is the site of the so-called Nakanishi Abolished Temple.  The site has a center foundation stone about 76 centimeters in diameter and about 26 centimeters in depth.  There should have been a gigantic wooden Buddhist tower.  Judging from excavated roof tiles, the temple existed from the end of the 7th century to the 12th century.  In the Nakanishi area, there is Iwai Pure Water Spring, for which the leftover stones are used from the temple.

     It is unknown whether Ex-Joraku-ji Temple was the successor of the Nakanishi Abolished Temple, the successor of a sub-temple of the Nakanishi Abolished Temple, or had nothing to do with the Nakanishi Abolished Temple.

     It is unknown why, but there are 2 more Joraku-ji Temples in Kakogawa City.  There are 127 Joraku-ji Temples nationwide, while we have 792 cities, towns, and villages.  Obviously, the ratio of Joraku-ji Temples in the city far exceeds the average.

Address: Kanki-1413 Higashikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0057

Komyo-ji Temple

Address: Saijo-no-uchi 26-1 Ao, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto 617-0811

Phone: 075-955-0002

Kanki Fortress Site

Address: Jorakuji 1413, Higashikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0057

The Grave of Kanki Yorisada, the Lord of the Kanki Fortress

Address: Kanki-1343-1 Higashikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0057

Iwai Pure Water Spring

Address: Nakanishi-269 Nishikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0043

Joraku-ji Temple

Address: Ono-1762 Kakogawacho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0061

Phone: 0794245882

Joraku-ji Temple

Address: Inokuchi-158 Kamisocho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-1212

Phone: 079-428-2207

Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (3)

 

     When dawn breaks, the ladies-in-waiting quickly rise, wanting to see some unusual places, but I know that if I went out with them, I would only be reminded of the past, so I just sit there idly. Then the new Emperor comes and says,

"Come, come. I don't know the way to Kurodo, so please show me," he says, and takes my hand and makes me stand.

     When I go towards Kurodo, I see that both Seiryoden and Jinjuden are just as they were in the past. Looking at the kitchen and the shoji screens around Kunming Pond now, I feel as if I were meeting old acquaintances. The Empress used to be in Kokiden, but now it is the Chancellor's night duty quarters. In front of the small half-shutter of the Kurodo gate, the shrubbery planted by the late Emperor has grown vigorously and freely, and I recall the poem written by Miharu Arisuke:

The clump of pampas grass planted by the late lord

Has grown so thick

That it has become a field

Where insects chirp incessantly.

     Among the various colorful flowers blooming along the stream of the ditch, the deep-colored bush clover is particularly beautiful, its blossoms profusely, the morning dew piercing like jewels, and its swaying in the evening breeze creating a truly special feeling. Seeing this, I imagine how much the late Emperor would admire it and I think:

Seeing the flowers blooming as beautifully

As ever near the bush clover gate,

My sleeves are drenched with tears

As I remember my departed one.

     Since there is no one who shares the same feelings as me, and it would be inappropriate for it to become known to the public so soon after the new Emperor’s moving into the palace. Whenever I look towards the Shokoden, I am reminded of someone. I sense that she must be thinking deeply about the past at home, and I offer her this poem:

Please understand. 

Whenever I hear about the flowers of the bush clover

That we once saw together,

My heart is filled with sadness and turmoil.

     She writes back, "Thinking about it, even when you are at the palace as before, you think so. How much more so my feelings, when I am at home, thinking deeply about the past without a doubt.  Please fully surmise my feelings.”

     How little she understands! It is precisely because I am here at court, in this very manner, that the memories of the past are brought back to me all the more painfully.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #17 Jofuku-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Jofuku-ji Temple was founded in Oguni Village, Innami County, Harima Province.

     Although Oguni Village was documented in the Wamyo Ruijusho, namely Japanese Names for Things Classified and Annotated,  which was a Japanese dictionary compiled in 938, it isn't certain if it covered the same area with the medieval one.  The Oguni Manor was first documented in 1155.  Kanki Village was documented as part of the manor in 1306.  The medieval Oguni Village was documented in 1595.

     Jofuku-ji Temple's precincts have several Buddhist stone coffin statues which were made in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573).  So, it isn't certain if the area was called Oguni Village when the temple was founded.

Address: Oguni-340 Nishikankicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0044

Phone: 079-432-5205

Trees In the Town

 

Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (2)

 

     Tonight, too, as I lie beside the new Emperor and look around, the palace at night seems no different from how it was in the time of the late Emperor. The only change is that, because the new Emperor has only recently moved into his new residence, the fire and water brought by the young girls are still placed on either side of his pillow.

     Even as I lie here, I am reminded of how I used to attend to the late Emperor on nights when the Empress did not visit, and I am simply overcome with a boundless sorrow. While everyone else seems to be sleeping peacefully, my thoughts drift endlessly from one thing to another, preventing me from closing my eyes. The voices of the Takiguchi guards announcing the hour, shifting between the bathhouse and the palace entrance—voices I used to hear only faintly—now echo clearly. An official from the Right Gate Guards calls out, "We'd better check it out—can't know what it is without looking," followed by the rustling sound of a wooden peg being slotted into the time-marker board. The night watchmen from the Left Gate Guards, appearing hurried, patrol the grounds just as they did in the past.

     As I gaze at the drapery of the ceremonial canopy, many of the late Emperor's words come rushing back to me. "When will this longing ever dry up?" I wonder. My sleeves, as I sleep alone, grow wetter and wetter, my tears flowing so copiously that one could fish beneath my pillow. Everything appears exactly as it used to be, which makes the late Emperor's absence all the more heartbreaking. Looking toward the young Emperor, he seems so tiny and childlike, making me realize all over again how different the late Emperor was.

     It brings to mind a time about two years ago, when I was attending to the late Emperor day and night in this very manner. His illness had shown signs of improvement, but Cloistered Emperor Shirakawa had cautioned him,

"Please be exceedingly careful, and do not venture out at night for the time being."

     To pass the time, the late Emperor would tell me endless stories of things past and present. On one such occasion, when the Regent approached from behind, I felt it would be improper and unseemly to remain by the Emperor's side, so I rose to leave. Sensing that I wished to avoid being seen by the Regent, the late Emperor said,

"Stay right where you are. I shall make a screen for you."

He then raised his knees to hide me from view. That act of kindness feels as though it happened only moments ago.

     I cannot believe how much the world has changed. Everyone else has moved on, and I am the only one who remains left behind. What karmic bond from a past life could have bound me to such a fate? As these thoughts spin through my mind, the grief becomes utterly unbearable.

Trees In the Town

 

Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #16 Shoho-an Temple

 

     Jizo-in Temple was founded in 1666.  Kitahara Toshitaka is the 20th priest of the temple.  Its 19th priest was the master of Shobo-an Hermitage.  The hermitage was rebuilt with concrete blocks in 1977.  Innami Gun Shi, or the Innami County Topography, was published in 1906.  When its enlarged edition was published in 1916, it listed Shobo-an Hermitage as the #16 member of the Innami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.  When Kyodo Shi No. 18 was published in 1952, it listed Jizo-ji Temple as its #16.

     All in all, Shobo-an Hermitage was abolished when Haibutsu Kishaku (literally "abolish Buddhism and destroy Shakamuni”) was executed in many parts of Japan after the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century.  Although it is unknown whether Jizo-in Temple replaced Shobo-an Hermitage before, during, or after World War II, the hermitage was rebuilt after the Japanese economic miracle from 1955 to 1973.

     Every and any member of an every and any Kannon Pilgrimage is supposed to enshrine a transformation of Avaloketesvara:

1) Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses

2) Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha

3) Thousand-Armed Sahasrabhuja

4) Cintamanicakra, who usually has 6 arms and holds chintamani (a wish-fulfilling jewel) in one of the six,

5) Horse-Headed Hayagriva

6) Cundi, who has 16 arms, and who appears to be female

7) Amoghapasa, who usually has 3 eyes and 8 arms

    Today, however, Shobo-an Hermitage's main deity is Ksitigarbha.  Where has any transformation of Avalokitesvara gone?

Address: Amida-1530 Amidacho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0827

Jizo-in Temple

Address: Amida-2841-1 Amidacho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0827

Phone: 079-447-4430