The Land of the Spirits Japan
Tokyo Temples
Yakushiji Temple Tokyo Betsuin
Nara Prefecture, right after getting off at Amagatsuji Station.
On a small island floating in the moat of the tomb of Emperor Suinin (late 3rd century to early 4th century)
Is that the island of Tajimanomori, who mourned the Emperor’s death?
I was impressed.
And looking back, you can see the roof of Toshodaiji Temple. A few minutes’ walk takes us to Toshodaiji Temple (759). The tomb of the monk Ganjin was peachy and beautiful, and my heart was shaken again.
The final reward is Yakushiji Temple. A few minutes walk from Toshodaiji Temple.
Yakushiji Temple was built in the 9th year of Emperor Temmu (680) by Emperor Temmu to pray for the healing of Empress Uno Sanra (later Emperor Jito) from her illness. Emperor Temmu, however, died before Yakushiji Temple was completed, and Emperor Jito came to the throne and built Yakushiji Temple in the new capital, Fujiwara-kyo.”
Emperor Suinin, Emperor Temmu, and Emperor Jito all lived in such a small area. You can see the accumulation of hundreds of years of history in this small area. I felt that Nara is an amazing place.
At Yakushiji Temple, I did sutra copying while sightseeing.
Chairs, tables, brushes, and sutra paper were all ready for us. After receiving an explanation, we entered the hall, which could accommodate about 200 people, and found ourselves in sutra chanting heaven.
Since that time, I have been receiving invitations from time to time. “Would you like to do Shakyo?” So I signed up and visited.
I did not know that there was a Tokyo Betsuin.
It was located in what appeared to be an upscale residential area.
The sutra reading room was under the Corona, and there was a space between the room and the next door neighbor. As in Nara, we quietly performed the sutra chanting. On the way there, a monk started praying and we took a short break. Then, again, we did the sutra chanting in a quiet meditative state.
Yes, when you concentrate on the sutra, you can meditate.
I like it because it makes me feel as if I am getting closer to the Buddha.
On the way back home, feeling refreshed and peaceful, I passed by a nice path.
7 minutes on foot from Kiji Shrine, 15 minutes from Tanjo(Birth) Hachiman Shrine, 25 minutes from Meguro Fudoson Ryusenji Temple (Tendai sect, Taieizan).
The nearest station is Gotanda Station.
