“Is it possible to move a large stone with prayer?” asks a curious voice. Welcome to \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa, a temple steeped in legend. This temple is known for its stories of spiritual power. It is said that \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa possessed extraordinary abilities.
Let’s journey back to the Heian period. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa, a monk of the Tendai sect, walked a path of asceticism. He traveled to sacred sites. These included Enryaku-ji Yokawa, Mount Katsuragi, and Mount Nachi.
\u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa excelled in incantation prayers. Stories tell of his power. He subdued Taira no Masakado’s rebellion. He healed Emperor Daigo’s illness. Also, he used his power to straighten the pagoda of Hokan-ji Temple. This pagoda tilted precariously.
One tale recounts \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa’s youth. At age seven, he wished to become a monk. He declared he would show a miracle. He then entered the garden. Facing the heavens, he summoned divine power. A plum branch miraculously appeared. He presented it as an offering. Everyone was amazed. No one could dissuade him from his path.
Another story speaks of a contest. Monks gathered each year on July 15th. They competed in spiritual power. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa prayed over a large stone. He lifted and moved it. Another monk tried to replicate the feat. The stone remained still. It then split. The halves moved toward each monk. People were astonished by this event.
Emperor Daigo fell ill. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa performed prayers. The emperor’s illness vanished quickly. Emperor Uda bestowed robes on \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa. When \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa set fire to the robes only the robes burned. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa explained. He said that a woman stained with blood sewed the robes.
In 909, Fujiwara Tokihira suffered from Sugawara no Michizane’s vengeful spirit. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa offered protective prayers. Two blue dragons emerged from Fujiwara Tokihira’s ears. They demanded harsh punishment. As \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa left, Fujiwara Tokihira died.
In 940, to quell Taira no Masakado’s rebellion, \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa diligently performed the Daiitoku ritual. Masakado, with bow and arrow, stood amidst flames. The imperial soldiers were afraid. An arrow flew eastward. The rebellion was suppressed.
When Prince Koretada fell ill many monks prayed. After three days, he died. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa was summoned. Through fire realm incantations, he revived the prince. The prince lived for four more days.
When his father died, \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa returned from Kumano. He encountered the funeral procession. He performed prayers. His father was resurrected. The bridge became known as “Kaeri-bashi” or the “Returning Bridge”.
Gensho, \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa’s teacher, was tormented by a monster. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa saved him. He drove away the monster.
Kobo Daishi performed the Kedai-e ceremony. A beggar appeared. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa invited him to sit. The beggar ate ravenously. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa recognized him as a manifestation of Monju Bosatsu.
\u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa could make the protective deities fly through the sky. People saw only the vajra. They were filled with awe.
During a drought monks prayed for rain. Only \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa succeeded. He built an altar. He prayed for one day. Black clouds gathered. A dragon descended. Rain fell for two days. Emperor Murakami was grateful.
\u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa visited Izumo Taisha Shrine. The gods gathered to decide people’s connections. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa hid under the floor. The gods decided on a marriage for him.
In 950, while at Hokan-ji Temple, thieves broke in. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa used incantations. The thieves became like withered trees.
In 956, the pagoda tilted. \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa prayed. The pagoda returned to its original state.
In 964, \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa died at the age of 74. Light filled the temple. Acala appeared. Two children attended him. The fragrance filled the air. Flowers scattered.
These stories show \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa’s power. They highlight the miracles attributed to him. As you leave this temple reflect on the power of faith. Remember the tales of \u6d44\u89b3\u5bfa.