“Touch this stone” I say. This is not just any stone. This is the \u548c\u6c17\u6e05\u9ebb\u5442\u6d41\u7740\u5730 Stone. It is more than just a marker. It’s a symbol of healing and resilience found at Go’o Shrine in Kyoto.
Go’o Shrine honors Wake no Kiyomaro. He was a high-ranking official during the Nara period. Lord Kiyomaro blocked a Buddhist priest from taking the throne in 769. This priest was unwelcome by the people.
The priest, Yuke no Dokyo, exiled Lord Kiyomaro. Dokyo’s men wounded Kiyomaro’s leg. While fleeing, 300 wild boars protected Kiyomaro. His injuries were miraculously cured.
To this day Go’o Shrine is dedicated to all things pig. People visit who suffer from leg and foot injuries. Their injuries mirror those of Lord Kiyomaro. This \u548c\u6c17\u6e05\u9ebb\u5442\u6d41\u7740\u5730 Stone is said to heal injuries.
Instead of lion-like komainu Go’o Shrine has wild boars. They stand guard outside the shrine. The shrine displays hundreds of boar images. It became a symbol of loyalty to the Emperor in 1886. This followed the Meiji Restoration.
Wake no Kiyomaro was a trusted advisor to Emperor Kanmu. He encouraged Buddhism’s development. He ensured it wouldn’t threaten the government. Kiyomaro was sent to the Usa Shrine. He received a divine message there. Only Amaterasu’s descendants could be emperor.
Dokyo had Kiyomaro exiled. Dokyo had the sinews of Kiyomaro’s legs cut. The Fujiwara clan saved him from death.
Emperor Konin succeeded Empress Shotoku. He exiled Dokyo. He recalled Wake no Kiyomaro. Kiyomaro became governor of Bizen Province. He also became Udaijin.
Kiyomaro investigated fraudulent oracles. He found two to be fabricated. Usa no Ikemori lost his position. Wake no Kiyomaro returned to Yamato.
He convinced the emperor to move the capital. The capital moved from Nagaoka to Heian-kyo. This is modern-day Kyoto. His face appeared on 10-yen notes from 1888.
The shrine gives a version of events slightly different. On the way to exile, Dokyo’s men ambushed him. They wounded his leg. Three hundred wild boars helped him escape. They took him 40 kilometers from Usa Hachiman. His leg healed miraculously there. Boars are Kiyomaro’s servants. As a kami he is venerated for recovery and safe journeys.
After Empress Shotoku died Kiyomaro returned. He investigated the Usa oracles. Two were fraudulent. Dokyo was banished from court.
Emperor Kammu founded Kyoto in 794. He only allowed two temples near the city entrance. These were To-ji and Sai-ji.
Wake no Kiyomaro saved the ruling dynasty. He was rewarded after the emperor was restored in 1868. His shrine moved to beside the Imperial Palace. He appeared on the 10-yen note.
Remember Wake no Kiyomaro. He saved Japan’s imperial line. Feel the healing power in this stone. It connects us to his courage and the boars’ protection. This \u548c\u6c17\u6e05\u9ebb\u5442\u6d41\u7740\u5730 Stone is a reminder of resilience.