徳林庵

Hidden within Kyoto’s Yamashina district, nestled along the ancient Tokaido Road, lies the enigmatic Rokkakudo, also known as the Yamashina Jizo. The Rokkakudo temple at Yamashina beckons us to uncover its secrets. Founded in 1550 by Un’ei Shoi, the 260th residing priest of the Nanzenji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, this hexagonal structure stands as a testament to time. Its present form dates back to the Edo period. The Rokkakudo houses a revered statue of Jizo Bosatsu, one of the six guardian deities of Kyoto. Originally placed alongside the other five Jizo statues at Ofukuji Temple, this Jizo statue, known as the Yamashina Jizo, was later relocated to its current hexagonal home. The statue’s placement within the Rokkakudo was commissioned by Emperor Go-Shirakawa to protect the city, ensure safe travels, and bring prosperity to its citizens. The Rokkakudo’s grounds also hold a wooden statue of Jizo Bosatsu crafted in 852 by Ono no Takamura. This three-meter-tall statue embodies the Heian period’s artistic style and represents one of the six Jizo protectors initially located at Ofukuji Temple. Another poignant story lies within Rokkakudo’s walls. The Inokuma-Ninnaji no Miya Kuyo-to pagoda narrates the tale of Prince Ninnaji no Miya, the fourth son of Emperor Ninmyo. Blind and afflicted with smallpox, the prince sought refuge at Rokkakudo. His mother, Fujiwara no Sadako, held prayer ceremonies in the second and eighth months, respectively. These prayers, combined with the prince’s unwavering devotion, are believed to have healed his ailments. The Rokkakudo also served as a resting place for packhorses traveling the Tokaido Road. The well, constructed with stones bearing inscriptions, echoes the bustling atmosphere of the Edo period. A nearby teahouse, built in the same era, offered solace to weary travelers. Its four-sided stone scriptures add another layer of historical intrigue. So, as you stand before the humble Rokkakudo, remember, it is more than just a hexagonal building. It is a repository of stories, a silent witness to centuries of history, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Kyoto.