“Bones to Buddhas?” You might ask. Isshinji Temple is extraordinary. This temple interweaves history, devotion, and unique artistry. Here stands the \u4e00\u5370\u5c71 \u79cb\u7384\u5bfa Stele. It marks a place where tradition meets innovation.
Isshinji Temple was founded in 1185 by Honen. He chose this site to practice Nissokan. Nissokan is a meditation facing west during sunset to envision heaven.
But what makes Isshinji truly unique? It’s the statues of Buddha made from human bones. When families have no grave to store ashes, they can donate them to Isshinji. The temple then incorporates these ashes into Buddha statues. This practice started in 1887. Isshinji created its first Buddha statue from the bones of about 50000 people. Now a new statue is made every ten years.
The ashes are accepted regardless of the person’s religious beliefs. The statues reside in the Nokotsudo and the Okotsubutsudo buildings. These buildings stand side by side.
Despite its ancient roots, the Second World War devastated Isshinji. The Osaka Fire Raids destroyed the entire temple. Thus all buildings you see today showcase modern designs.
Among the notable figures buried here is Honda Tadatomo. He was one of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s retainers. Tadatomo fought valiantly in the summer at the Battle of Tennoji. During the battle Tadamoto received a fatal blow. At death he vowed to aid those suffering from alcoholism.
The Isshinji Sanzenbutsu-do is nearby. It was designed by Mr. Takaguchi. Though the building may not resemble a temple, it houses around 1000 Buddha statues. Visitors walk clockwise around the statues. They pray to the Buddhas of the past, present, and future. One sees a thousand statues on the first pass. After three rounds, you witness three thousand.
The \u4e00\u5370\u5c71 \u79cb\u7384\u5bfa Stele commemorates a temple where the past literally becomes the present. A place where bones become Buddhas. Isshinji offers a profound reminder of life, death, and enduring faith.