A weathered stone lantern stands silently. It guards the entrance to Doko-in Temple. This unassuming temple holds a secret. A secret whispered through centuries.
Doko-in Temple is a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji Temple. It’s part of the Tofukuji Sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Its history is deeply intertwined with the powerful Fujiwara clan. The temple sits on land once occupied by the grand Hossho-ji Temple. This ancient temple was built during the Heian period. The Fujiwara clan were its patrons.
In 1006 Fujiwara no Michinaga built the Godai-do hall. This hall housed statues of the Five Great Wisdom Kings. Michinaga celebrated his 40th birthday with this grand gesture. He had a dream. In this dream the Unmovable One Fudo Myo’o granted him a seal. The seal contained the character ‘ ‘. This character combines the characters for ‘ten’ and ‘ten thousand’.
Because of this dream the temple’s statue of Fudo Myo’o is unique. It is known by several names. It is called Doriki Fudo meaning ‘land power’. Another name is Juman Fudo meaning ‘one hundred thousand’. The last name is Jippo Fudo ‘ten directions’. Each name reflects the power and protection the statue offers.
The statue is an Important Cultural Property. It stands 265 cm tall. Kosho sculpted it. Kosho was the father of the famous Jocho. The statue is a masterpiece of Fujiwara art. It shows elegance and fierce expression. It has survived countless disasters. The statue is a focal point of faith. People pray to it for protection from fire and other calamities.
Every New Year’s Day the temple distributes yasagofuda amulets. These amulets bear the ligature character ‘ ‘. They are believed to bring good fortune and protection. So visit Doko-in Temple. Discover the story of its powerful guardian. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet. Let the temple’s serenity wash over you.