“Undiminishing continuity” is quite a name. That is what Saikoji Temple was once called. Today we know it as \u6700\u5149\u5bfa.
\u6700\u5149\u5bfa has stood for centuries. Temple tradition says there was once a simple thatched hut here. Buddhist practitioners gathered in it. They gave it the name “temple of undiminishing continuity”.
In 1546, Yuen Osho rebuilt the temple. He was a high-ranking Buddhist monk. He also was the younger brother of the 27th head of Jodo-shu. Jodo-shu is the main temple of Pure Land Buddhism.
Yuen Osho visited Horakuji temple in Minoh during his travels. Faithful followers invited him to this area. That is when the temple was named Saikoji temple.
During the Edo period, this temple was highly respected. Ouyo Reigan shonin appointed it head of three districts. He was a famous monk of Jodo-shu. Wooden plaques in the main hall’s attic date back to 1652, 1697, and 1822. This suggests the architecture is over 400 years old.
It has been 200 years since the last major renovation. But it is undergoing another major renovation now. This is happening in the current Reiwa era.
Powerful local figures often requested temples be built. However ordinary people built this temple. They had a deep faith. Past head priests worked with Buddhist followers. Local residents also helped. Together, they preserved the temple to this day.
\u6700\u5149\u5bfa features representative Buddhist statues. The main principal image is the Amida Nyorai Statue. This Amitabha Tathagata statue dates to the Kamakura period. People attribute it to An Ami. A team including Mr. Ryouichi Kyuuki evaluated it in 1891.
Another statue is the Choshiro Myoo Statue. It is also known as Lokanatha. People attribute this one to Ono no Hiro. A team including Mr. Ryouichi Kyuuki evaluated it in 1891 as well. It is from the Heian period.
Finally there is the Amida Sanzon Welcome Picture. This includes Amitabha Tathagata and two attendants. It comes from the Muromachi period. A team including Mr. Ryouichi Kyuuki evaluated it in 1891.
So as we stand here at \u6700\u5149\u5bfa, remember its long history. From a simple hut to a respected temple, it stands as a testament to faith. It also is a symbol of community.