How about a journey through time right here at Chojo-ji? This temple stands as a serene contrast to Tokyo’s modern hustle. It offers a tranquil escape into Japan’s rich spiritual heritage.
Chojo-ji is a Jodo-shu Buddhist temple. This Pure Land sect emphasizes salvation through the simple act of reciting “Namu Amida Butsu.” It means “I take refuge in Amida.” This practice called nembutsu is open to everyone.
Zojoji was founded in 1393. It became the Tokugawa family temple in 1598. Tokugawa Ieyasu selected it when he established his government in Edo. Edo is present-day Tokyo. The temple then became central to the Tokugawa shogunate. It served as an administrative hub for Jodo shu studies.
At its peak, Zojoji covered 826000 square meters. It included 48 smaller temples and about 150 grammar schools. Around 3000 priests and novices resided here as students.
However, the Tokugawa shogunate fell. The Meiji Era began. An anti-Buddhist movement emerged. Air raids during World War II then burned Zojoji’s cathedral and mausoleum.
Despite these challenges, Zojoji rebuilt. It remains the main temple of Jodo shu. It is a central seminary for priests and novices. The temple is now cherished as a cultural hub in Tokyo.
The Sangedatsumon is Zojoji’s main gate. Passing through this gate cleanses you of greed, anger, and ignorance. The gate was built in 1622. It is the only original temple building remaining. As such, it is one of Tokyo’s oldest wooden structures. The Sangedatsumon is an Important Cultural Property. Its architecture reflects Chinese and Japanese styles.
Inside the gate, statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and bodhisattvas stand. Usually Nio guardian statues stand at temple entrances. Zojoji lacks these. This is because Jodo Buddhism aims to spread Buddhism to everyone.
Look at the Daibonsho. This giant bell was completed in 1673. It has a diameter of 1.76 meters. It is 3.33 meters high. The bell weighs 15 tons. It is one of the Edo Period’s Big Three Bells. The bell tolls twice daily. Six times in the morning. Six times in the evening. It purifies 108 earthly passions.
The Kyozo is a sutra repository built in 1613. Tokugawa Ieyasu funded it. Inside are rotating bookshelves. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has designated it as a cultural property. The storehouse held the Sandaizokyo. These are principal texts of the Buddhist canon.
The Daiden is the main hall. It was rebuilt in 1974. This hall enshrines Amida Buddha. Images of Great Teacher Shan-tao and Honen Shonin stand here.
Ankokuden enshrines the Black Image of Amida Buddha. Tokugawa Ieyasu deeply worshiped it. This image is said to have saved Ieyasu from dangers. Since the Edo Period, it has brought victory and warded off evils.
Six Tokugawa Shoguns are buried in Zojoji’s mausoleum. Imperial Princess Kazunomiya and shoguns’ wives and children rest here too. These tombs are a reminder of the Edo Period.
Visit the Zojoji Treasures Gallery. It is located in the Daiden’s basement. The gallery’s centerpiece is a 1:10 scale model of the Taitokuin Mausoleum. It was the original burial site of Tokugawa Hidetada. Air raids destroyed the mausoleum in 1945. The model was showcased at the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition in London.
Consider the Five Hundred Arhat Scrolls. Kano Kazunobu painted these in the late Edo period. They depict the daily lives of Buddha’s disciples. Ten scrolls are displayed in the Treasures Gallery. They change every few months.
Today Zojoji stands as a testament to resilience. It represents cultural richness. As you leave, carry with you the tranquility of this sacred space. Remember the enduring spirit of Zojoji.