宝蔵神社

“A sacred place of blessings,” the old woman whispered, her eyes closed as if in prayer. “That’s what Hosho Jinja is.” We stood before the Hosho Jinja, a place seemingly pulsating with a hidden energy. Founded in 1960, the Hosho Jinja stands as a beacon of the Seicho-no-Ie religious movement. Its very name, bestowed by the founder himself, Masaharu Taniguchi, signifies a promise; a pledge to participate in the grand movement of human enlightenment. The main hall of Hosho Jinja isn’t just a place of worship. It serves as a repository for the “Ame no uzume,” a sacred scripture containing the names of those who dedicated their lives to Seicho-no-Ie. Each month, within Hosho Jinja, a special ceremony takes place. The names inscribed in the “Ame no uzume” are read aloud, echoing through the hall in a poignant tribute to their devotion. This unique practice, known as the “Reigu Seishi Mei Shukyo Kai,” binds together past, present, and future generations of believers. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the profound impact one belief system can have, even within the bustling city of Uji, Kyoto.