Buddha statues, pictures, etc.
Introducing the Buddhist statues, hanging scrolls, carvings, frames, etc. in the main hall of Shōen-ji Temple
Arrangement of Buddhist statues and pictures
The arrangement of Buddhist statues (principal images) and hanging scrolls is basically the same as that of Jodo Shinshu Honganji temples.
The majesty (decoration) of the chancel represents the Pure Land, and the golden decorations and birds also appear in the scriptures.
[Amida Nyorai Statue]
It is the principal image of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and the savior.
Amitabha is a phonetic transcription of the Sanskrit words Amitava (limitless light) and Amitayus (limitless life), and in modern terms, it may be translated as ``super-space-time.''
Amitabha Buddha is the very light of truth that illuminates everything, transcending time and space.Although he is originally a Buddha without color or shape, he was created in the shape of a Buddha statue as a convenient way for us to worship him. It is said that
[Shinran Saint]
He is the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
Although he entered Buddhism at the age of nine and practiced ascetic practices on Mt. Hiei for 20 years, he was unable to find true peace of mind.
The determined saint descended from the mountain, broke away from a life of precepts, became a disciple of Honen Shonin, and found his own salvation in Namu Amitabha's Pure Land teachings.
He is said to be the first monk in history to officially marry and have a child.
He wrote the ``Kyogyo Shinsho,'' which includes the ``Shoshishinka'', which summarizes the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
[Rennyo Shonin]
He built the current foundation of the Honganji school.
In order to revive Hongan-ji Temple, which was in decline at that time, evangelism through written texts was actively carried out, and in Yoshizaki (Awara City, Fukui Prefecture), a new melody was added to the Masanobu poem and Wasan written by Shinran Shonin. I have established a job.
He also brought about innovative innovations such as printing and widely disseminating the Seishin Verses. He was the 8th head of Honganji Temple and is considered the founder of the Chukyo era.
[Seven High Priests]
These are the monks who appear in Masanobu.
India Ryuki Bodhisattva Tenshin Bodhisattva
Dumran Daishi
China
Dokyo Zen Master Sandao Daishi
Japan Priest Genshin Genku (Honen) Shonin
These are people who have deepened the teachings of the Pure Land, and Shinran Shonin praises their achievements.
He is the person Shinran Shonin admired.
Shinran, who separated from his parents at a young age, adored Prince Shotoku like a father, and regarded him as Japan's Buddha.
It is said that when the saint became stuck in his training on Mt. Hiei, he was holed up in the Rokkaku-do Hall, which is associated with Prince Shotoku, and on the 95th day, the prince appeared on his dream pillow and showed him the salvation of Amida Buddha. .
[Prince Shotoku]
Birds dancing in the Pure Land
[Six Birds]
If you look closely at the ``maejoku'' placed in front of the principal image, you will see a carving of the six birds dancing in the Pure Land.
parrot(Oumu)
A clever bird that can imitate human words and understand their meaning.
It has a crown of feathers on its head.
peacock(peacock)
Because it likes to eat poisonous insects such as poisonous snakes and scorpions, it is said to be a symbol of wisdom to eliminate worldly desires.
white parrot(byakko)
A beautiful white bird that is also translated as swan or stork, and is a symbol of the purity of the Pure Land and Buddha.
Common life bird(Gumyocho)
It is a bird with two heads on one body, and it emits an extremely beautiful voice.
It is also said to be a human-faced bird.
Karyo Takagi(Karyobinga)
A human-faced bird with a human face and a bird's body. Produces an extremely beautiful voice.
(The sculpture is a bird's face.)
Shari(Shari)
Also translated as Mozu, it can imitate and understand a hundred different words.
It is also said to be a type of mynah bird.
Eight Gong Ruyi Water(Haku Nyoisui)
These are the letters on a plaque placed above the center of the front of the main hall.
It has the same meaning as the ``eight meritorious water'' mentioned in the Buddha's Amida Sutra, and refers to the water that fills the pools of the Pure Land and is endowed with the following eight meritorious virtues.
・Sweet ・Cold
・Soft ・Light
・Clean ・No odor
- Gentle on the throat - Doesn't hurt your stomach
It looks like mineral water, but safe and delicious water was probably at a premium in India during Buddha's time.
By the way, it seems that a plaque with the name of the temple, ``Mountain name (Shoonji is Ichijozan)'' written on it, is usually placed in the place of this plaque, but why is this plaque used at Shouonji? I-I don't understand...
