Gushing spring water marked a special birth. This very ground beneath our feet is the birthplace of Nichiren Shonin. Here stands Tanjoji Temple. It commemorates his life and extols his devotion to creating the Nichiren school of Buddhism.
Tanjoji Temple is a sacred place. It lies in Kominato in Southern Chiba. The Pacific Ocean surrounds it. Nichiren Shonin was born here in 1222. Legend says lotus flowers bloomed on the seashore at his birth. A large number of red snapper gathered too. Spring water gushed into the yard. These spots are now preserved. They are Renge-ga-fuchi Tae-no-ura and Tanjo-ido.
Nichiren Shonin’s mother had a dream. The sun entered her body when she was pregnant. They named their son Zen-nichi-maro. This means “Boy with the Good Sun.”
After proclaiming his new Buddhist path Nichiren Shonin continued his mission in Kamakura. In January 1264 he learned his mother was ill. He returned to his hometown. He inscribed a mandala. He prayed for her recovery. Because of his great merits his mother lived four more years.
In October 1276 Nichike built a temple. He was one of Nichiren Shonin’s second senior disciples. It was built where Nichiren Shonin’s parents’ home stood. Sakuma-Hyogo-no-kami Shigetada was the patron.
The temple was originally at Tae-no-ura. A tsunami destroyed it in August 1498. The temple was rebuilt. Another tsunami destroyed the second temple in November 1703. During the Hoei Period Nichiko rebuilt the temple. It was at its present location. A local lord donated the property then.
Tanjoji Temple features one of the largest Deva gates in the prefecture. The large ogre tiles are special too. They are on Soshido Hall. They total 21 tatami mats in size. The scent of incense fills the air. Wind blows from the sea. This is acknowledged as one of the “100 best aromatic landscapes of Japan.” The Ministry of the Environment recognizes it.
Tanjoji Temple stands as a testament. It marks a revered beginning. It embodies faith and natural wonder. It is a truly special place.