Deep in the forested hills of Ohara, north of Kyoto’s bustling heart, lies the secluded Amida-ji Temple. Don’t let its tranquil setting fool you. This unassuming temple holds a most unusual tale. Amida-ji was founded in 1569 by the enigmatic Tanzei Shonin. It’s a bit off the beaten path, requiring a bit of a hike. But the journey itself, past whispering trees and mossy stones, is a prelude to the intrigue that awaits. Now, here’s where the story takes a turn. Tanzei Shonin, a man who seemingly had conquered life’s mysteries, decided to take control of his own death. Through intense ascetic practices, he began the process of self-mummification while still alive. When he felt ready, he entered a specially prepared cave adjacent to the main hall and instructed his disciples to seal him within. To this day, his mummified remains, a testament to his extraordinary willpower, rest within the stone mausoleum. Amida-ji might lack the crowds of Kyoto’s more famous temples. But it offers something far more compelling: a glimpse into a life lived, and a death embraced, on the edge of human understanding.
阿弥陀寺
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