“Amida, save us.” This phrase encapsulates the core belief of the Jodo sect. Today we stand before Daizenji Temple a sanctuary with a history spanning approximately 450 years.
Daizenji Temple is a Jodo sect temple. The Jodo sect’s teachings revolve around the recitation of “Namu Amida Butsu”. This chant is central to their beliefs. It is an invocation expressing faith in Amida Buddha. It translates to “I take refuge in Amida Buddha.”
Let me share some history. Daizenji Temple was founded in 1582 by Shosho Shonin. However in 1945 disaster struck. The Great Osaka Air Raid destroyed nearly all the temple structures. Only the main Amida Buddha statue and the Sanmon gate survived.
Speaking of the Sanmon gate it is believed to be original. It dates back to the temple’s founding. The main hall and abbot’s quarters were rebuilt in 1973. This was thanks to the efforts of the 25th head priest Jitsudo Shoen Shonin. In 1995 the Sanmon gate underwent restoration. It returned to its pre-war appearance.
In the same year the Kannon-do or ossuary hall was constructed. The 26th and current head priest renovated the main Amida Buddha statue in 2019.
Daizenji Temple is the 17th station of the Osaka New Forty-Eight Amida Pilgrimage. The temple’s main deity is Amida Buddha. The statue is said to be the work of the Buddhist sculptor Kaikei. However the details remain unclear.
Daizenji Temple hosts several events. These include the Shushie repentance service, the spring and autumn equinox services and the Urabon-e service.