Could a spring truly cure eye ailments? Here at Saidera no Shimizu (Saidera Spring) in Osaka, that’s exactly what people believed. This spring, nestled within the Saidera Temple grounds, holds a fascinating history intertwined with faith and healing. Saidera no Shimizu was believed to have emerged through the fervent prayers of Gyoki, a Buddhist monk. This spring’s water flowed into a pond called Okaikozu Pond, where it acquired a new name: “O-kosui” (fragrant water). The water, believed to possess curative properties, especially for eye diseases, became revered. Saidera Temple, once known as Mt. Sanbon Temple, became associated with both Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. People flocked to Saidera no Shimizu, seeking relief from their ailments. The temple grounds hold remnants of this belief. A small stone basin, fed by a diverted stream from the original source, stands as a testament to the spring’s continued presence. You can still see the inscription “Saidera no Shimizu” marking the basin. Although the water flow is now minimal, with only a few drops trickling from a dragon’s mouth ornament, you can imagine a time when this spring flowed more freely. Sadly, the original spring source is now lost beneath concrete, a reminder of the passage of time and urban development. But the story of Saidera no Shimizu persists. It invites us to reflect on the power of belief and the role of sacred places in healing and hope. While we may not be able to experience the full glory of the spring as it once was, standing here, we can still connect with its past and appreciate the enduring legacy of Saidera no Shimizu.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to