“Who was Sotan?” a question that lingers around the Sotan Inari Stele. This seemingly small shrine holds a tale far grander than its size suggests. Let’s delve into the legend of Sotan Inari.
The Sotan Inari Stele is nestled near Shokoku-ji Temple’s bell tower. Specifically it is on the tower’s east side. Many might miss this tiny shrine if they are not careful.
The story revolves around Sen Sotan. He was a grandson of Sen no Rikyu. Sen Sotan opened the three Sen families of tea ceremony. These are Omotesenke, Urasenke and Mushakojisenke. He was the father of Sen Soshitsu, Sen Soza and Sen Soshu.
Legend says a fox often shapeshifted into Sotan. This fox would engage in various activities. It would hit stones with a Buddhist priest and sit in meditation. It even rebuilt a struggling tofu shop near the temple with divine power.
The Sotan Inari Stele commemorates this fox. People believe the shrine honors the spirit of the fox. The fox had close ties to Sen Sotan. This Sotan Fox is said to have impersonated Sotan at tea ceremonies.
Once Sotan’s disciples grew suspicious. They noticed “Sotan” would excuse himself from the tea gathering. Then the real Sotan would arrive later. The disciples confronted the imposter. The Sotan imposter confessed to being a fox. It then reverted to its fox form and fled.
After this incident, the Sotan Fox began helping the temple. It would meditate with monks. The fox would also help the temple with tasks. On occasion, it would play Go with people outside the temple gate.
One year, the tofu shop in front of the temple struggled. The Sotan Fox brought lotus leaves. The shop owner sold the leaves. The shop owner then used the money to buy soybeans. As thanks, the tofu shop offered fried rat. Fried rat was a favorite of foxes. However, the fox lost its magic power while eating the fried rat. It turned into an old fox. Dogs chased it into the Shokoku-ji Temple. The fox fell into an old well and died.
The temple mourned the Sotan Fox’s death. They built a small shrine to appease its spirit. That shrine is the Sotan Inari Stele we see today.
Thus, the Sotan Inari Stele stands as a testament. It is a testament to a unique bond between a tea master and a mystical fox. It is a reminder that legends often blur the lines between reality and myth. As you stand before the Sotan Inari Stele remember the tale. Remember the tale of the fox, Sen Sotan, and the magic that binds them together.