Do you see that small stone monument nestled beside the path? This is the \u5373\u5982\u5fa1\u9580\u4e3b\u7d44\u5de1\u6559\u8a18\u5ff5\u690d\u6a39. It marks a visit by Monshu Sokujo, the Abbot of the Honganji Temple.
Let’s delve into the story behind this monument. It is a tribute to a significant event that took place here. Back in 1992, on October 7th, Monshu Sokujo visited this very temple, Tokuyouji. This visit was deemed so important that a monument was erected to commemorate it.
Who exactly was Monshu Sokujo? He was the Abbot of the Honganji Temple. This is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji派 sect. Think of him as the symbolic head of the sect. He is a direct descendant of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
After becoming Abbot in 1977, Monshu Sokujo embarked on a remarkable journey. For 24 years, from 1981 to 2005, he traveled throughout Japan. He visited over 530 groups. These groups stretched from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa and Ishigaki Island in the south. He listened to the voices of monks and followers. His visit here to Tokuyouji was part of this extensive tour.
On the day of his visit to Tokuyouji Temple 437 people participated. A formal ceremony was held. The current monument marks this event.
Look closer at the monument. You’ll notice a small tree planted next to it. It’s a sasanqua camellia. This tree was planted at the same time as the monument. Now it has grown significantly. Each year it blooms with beautiful flowers.
Interestingly this visit spurred the creation of a group. It is called the Higashiyama Group Buddhist Youth Association. The association still organizes a memorial service. It commemorates Monshu Sokujo’s visit every year.
The temple itself has seen changes since Monshu Sokujo’s visit. The main hall, depicted in older photos, has been rebuilt. Only the lectern remains. It is still in use today.
Imagine the scene that day. Monshu Sokujo addressing the crowd. The temple filled with devotees. A moment captured in time and now marked by this monument and the sasanqua tree. The \u5373\u5982\u5fa1\u9580\u4e3b\u7d44\u5de1\u6559\u8a18\u5ff5\u690d\u6a39 serves as a reminder of his visit and its lasting impact on this community. A simple stone. A lasting memory.