Climb up the Ro River with me in your imagination. We are heading to Raigo-ji Temple. It is also known as Raigo-in Temple. This serene Buddhist temple is nestled in Kyoto Japan.
Raigo-ji Temple offers us a peaceful escape from the bustling city. With its beautifully preserved architecture and stunning natural surroundings it gives us a unique opportunity. We can immerse ourselves in the rich history and spirituality of Japan.
Raigo-ji Temple is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai. He is the Buddha of healing. This suggests potential benefits for those seeking spiritual solace or physical wellbeing.
As a place of cultural heritage we must respect the preservation efforts. Refrain from unauthorized photography within the temple grounds.
Raigo-in Temple was founded in the early Heian period by Ennin. He was a disciple of Saicho. It was opened as a dojo where Buddhist teachings were sung musically. This is called a statement. This seems to be the source of Japanese music connected to Imayo Kouta Folk songs Enka fists.
Once we pass through the Sanmon gate the receptionist will show us the route. First of all the autumn leaves that have fallen on the moss in the temple grounds are beautiful.
Three wooden statues are enshrined in the main hall. The Yakushi Nyorai in the middle cures mental illnesses. The Amida Nyorai on the left guides people to the Pure Land in the afterlife. The Shakyamuni Nyorai on the right is the Buddha of the past world.
At the end of the Heian period they were enshrined in their respective main halls. But there was a big fire. The three deities were gathered and rescued. They are designated as important cultural properties of the country. It’s amazing to see them right in front of our eyes.
Founder of the Yuzu Nenbutsu sect was Seio Daishi Ryonin. Ryonin Shonin had the greatest influence. He was active in the early 12th century. I think the characteristic of Ryonin’s Pure Land Buddhism is that he tried to use art to propagate Buddhism.
The garden in front of the main hall is worth seeing. The three statues of Yakushi Nyorai Shaka Nyorai and Amitabha Nyorai are the principal images of the main hall. There are also images of celestial maidens.
There is a lion stepping stone a little higher up the stone steps from the main hall. It is said that the lion turned into a rock after hearing Ryonin Shonin’s sermon Buddhist music.
There is also the three-story stone pagoda of Ryonin Shonin’s mausoleum. It’s just across the bridge. Nyoraizo was founded by Ryonin Shonin. Paintings from the Tathagata collection will be on special display in the spring and fall.
This temple was founded by Jishikaku Daishi the third head of Tendai. It served as a training hall for the tradition of Buddhist music. It is the origin of Japanese music. In the main hall there are three Buddha statues of Yakushi Amitabha and Shakyamuni from the Fujiwara period. If you climb the mountain path behind Raigo-in you will see Otonashi Falls.
It’s a little pricey given it isn’t a large place with a lot on show though.