“Stay awake!” they cried on Koshin nights. The Koshin belief echoes through this ancient Koshin-tō Stele. It is right here in Tokyo.
This isn’t just a stone marker. The Koshin-tō Stele represents a fascinating folk belief in Japan. Its origins are a mix of Taoism, Shinto, Buddhism, and local traditions. It’s called Koshin-shinkō.
Imagine nights of Koshin-kō. These events occurred every 60 days. This followed the Chinese sexagenary cycle. Believers stayed awake to stop Sanshi from leaving their bodies. Sanshi were entities that reported deeds to the god Tentei.
The belief possibly arrived as early as the Heian period. By the 9th century, nobles were already practicing it. Monk Ennin noted similarities to New Year’s Eve in Tang China.
Buddhist monks spread the Koshin belief to the public during the Muromachi period. Koshin-tō monuments were erected across the country. The belief remained popular during the Edo period. The Meiji government rejected Koshin as superstition in 1872. This was after the Shinto and Buddhism Separation Order.
Many Koshin-tō stele were moved inside temples or homes. Some still stand alongside roads. Some Koshin halls still exist today. They are either attached to temples or stand alone.
The main Koshin custom involved staying awake one night every sixty days. This night was called Koshin-Machi. People believed Three Corpses lived in every human body. They tracked every deed.
On Koshin-Machi, the Sanshi left the body. They went to Tentei. He is the Heavenly God. They reported the person’s deeds. Tentei punished bad people. He made them ill or shortened their lives.
Believers tried to avoid bad deeds. Those who feared punishment stayed awake. This prevented the Sanshi from reporting to Tentei.
During the Edo period, Koshin-Machi became popular among commoners. Festivities and cultic activities increased. These practices centered on worshipping specific deities. Shōmen-Kongō became Koshin-san. People expected this deity to make the Sanshi ill. This prevented them from going to Tentei.
Look closely at the Koshin-tō Stele. Note the inscription. It marks the day in the sexagenary cycle. Also, look for the three monkeys. They represent “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” This relates to the idea of worms not reporting to Heaven.
The Koshin faith is a reminder of the importance of vigilance. It urges us to be mindful. It reminds us that our actions have consequences. This ancient belief reminds us to strive for good. The Koshin-tō Stele stands as a testament to this enduring cultural practice.