What if I told you that this temple moved? We are standing before \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa. It is a Nichiren Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Let’s uncover its story together.
\u5e38\u5713\u5bfa is also known as “Oicho Temple”. It was founded in 1590 by Nisshin. Originally, this was Nisshin’s residence. After his death it became a temple.
Initially \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa belonged to Myobun-ji Temple. At the time Myobun-ji followed a doctrine that the government banned. Myobun-ji became a Tendai temple named Ennyu-ji. \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa then became a branch of Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple.
The mountain name of \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa is Fukuju-san. Fuku means fortune. Ju means gathering. It comes from the Lotus Sutra.
The temple name \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa relates to the teachings of Buddha. “Tsune ni” means always. “Madoka na” means perfect teaching. It expresses the idea of saving people through these teachings.
\u5e38\u5713\u5bfa is associated with Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple. This temple was where Nichiren died. Nichiren is the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism.
The Lotus Sutra is central to the Nichiren sect. It was translated from Sanskrit to Chinese. Prince Shotoku used it as a basis for Buddhist teachings.
Nichiren saw the Lotus Sutra as essential for salvation. He believed it contained the Buddha’s core teachings.
Ikegami Honmon-ji in Yamanashi Prefecture is important. Nichiren lived there for nine years. It is considered his sacred place.
The current head priest of \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa is Genichi Oikawa. He was born in Hachioji City in Tokyo. He spent eight years doing missionary work overseas. He became the 40th head priest of \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa in 2018.
\u5e38\u5713\u5bfa has a history spanning over 600 years. It moved to its current location around 1585. Before that it was near Shibuya.
In 1945, the temple was destroyed in a fire. The buildings were rebuilt in 1952. It restored the temple to its former glory.
\u5e38\u5713\u5bfa also runs a kindergarten in Kumagaya City. It established a branch temple in San Jose, California. The temple supports international exchange. It provides accommodation to students from abroad.
\u5e38\u5713\u5bfa is supported by about 1600 families. Buddhist temples depend on both monks and lay supporters. This system has existed since the time of Buddha. Monks spread teachings. Lay people provide material support.
The supporters of \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa follow three key principles. They value the teachings of Nichiren. They cherish their ancestors and family. And they support the temple.
\u5e38\u5713\u5bfa offers various classes and events. These include calligraphy and yoga. They also host film screenings.
So \u5e38\u5713\u5bfa stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Its long history shows its importance to the community. Remember its journey as you continue your own.