Honpo-ji

Kyoto’s Honpo-ji temple grounds whisper tales of resilience. Honpo-ji isn’t just a temple. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nichiren Buddhist sect. Founded in 1436 by Nisshin, Honpo-ji’s early days were marked by turmoil. Nisshin’s powerful sermons, often at odds with popular Buddhist teachings, caught the attention of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. This led to Nisshin’s imprisonment and the destruction of the original Honpo-ji. Undeterred, Nisshin continued preaching even in prison, earning him the moniker “pot-crowned saint” for the scalding pot allegedly placed on his head to silence him. Pardoned and released, Nisshin rebuilt Honpo-ji, only to see it destroyed again during the Tenmon Hokke Rebellion in 1536. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, Honpo-ji rose again, relocated, and rebuilt, demonstrating the unwavering faith of its followers. Today, at Honpo-ji, you can admire the serene Mitsudomoe no Niwa garden, designed by the renowned artist Hon’ami Koetsu. Notice the stone lantern bearing the scars of the Great Tenmei Fire of 1788. The fire ravaged the temple, leaving only the treasure hall and sutra storehouse untouched. Yet again, Honpo-ji was rebuilt, its gardens recreated. Inside, you can see a recreation of Hasegawa Tohaku’s masterpiece, the “Death of Buddha Shakyamuni,” a massive scroll painting commissioned by the temple. The original, displayed for a month after the Nehan-e ceremony, is a testament to Tohaku’s devotion and artistic skill. Honpo-ji stands as a symbol of perseverance, a quiet haven amidst the bustling city, inviting you to reflect on the enduring power of faith and resilience.