Can you feel the stillness? This isn’t just any temple. This is Jōshinji Temple. It stands in Setagaya Tokyo. Jōshinji Temple holds centuries of history and profound Buddhist significance.
Originally, the grounds of Jōshinji Temple were part of Okusawa Castle. The Kira clan owned this castle. After its destruction during the Sengoku period, Tokugawa Ietsuna gave the land to the Jodo sect.
In 1678, a priest named Kaseki built Jōshinji Temple. The temple’s name comes from its nine Amida Buddha statues. These statues represent different manifestations of the Buddha.
Look closely at the Main Hall. It is also called Ryūgo-den. This hall stands 20 meters tall and wide. The hip roof shines with copper plates. Inside rests a 2.81-meter-tall statue of Gautama Buddha. Kaseki originally created this statue. A fire destroyed it in 1748. A replacement was installed in 1760.
Facing the Main Hall you see three halls. There is Gebon-dō on the left. Jōbon-dō is in the center. Chūbon-dō is on the right. Each hall contains three golden Amida Buddha statues. Kaseki and his disciple Kaoku sculpted these statues. They represent the nine levels of rebirth in the Pure Land. These levels are based on purity at death. Gebon-dō holds the lower-level statues. Chūbon-dō houses the intermediate-level statues. Jōbon-dō contains the upper-level statues. Each statue has a unique pose. The lower levels have mundane poses. The upper levels have more sacred poses.
Let’s step over to the Founder’s Hall. It holds the statue of Kaseki. Tradition says this statue protects against misfortune. It also ensures safe childbirth.
Next is the Kannon Hall. This hall worships Kannon. Thirty-three statues are arranged around the building. These statues represent Kannon’s 33 manifestations.
Notice the Sōmon gate. It is a simple wooden structure. The temple’s official name is on the right pillar. The lintel reads “Hanjujo.” This refers to the Pratyutpanna-samadhi sutra. This sutra contains the earliest references to Amida Buddha and his Pure Land.
Now we approach the Main Gate or Niō-mon. This gate is the entrance to the main worship area. It was built in 1793. The gate stands six meters tall on a stone platform. The roof has copper plates installed in 1964. The upper floor holds one Amida statue and 25 Bodhisattva statues. The lower section contains two Niō statues. These are the protective deities of Buddhism.
To the left of the Main Gate is the Bell Tower. It was built in 1708. The wooden structure features carvings and sculptures. The bell shows arabesque motifs. It also depicts Buddha and celestial beings.
Jōshinji Temple is also known as Kuhonbutsu. It is home to one of Tokyo’s oldest trees. It is over 700 years old.
Remember Kaseki Shonin? He devoted many years to creating the nine Amida Buddha manifestations. He started at age 18. He finished at age 51.
Jōshinji Temple is a place of truth and purification. Every three years on August 16, the “Welcome to the Pure Land” festival takes place. It honors Amida Buddha. It also honors his 25 attendant bodhisattvas. They guide believers to the “pure land” at death.
Princess Tokiwa’s tale adds another layer. She was the daughter of the castle lord. She became a concubine of Setagaya Castle Lord Kira Yoriyasu. She was involved in a love conflict. She took her own life. Shirasagi her lover is said to be buried beneath the castle.
Each hall at Jōshinji Temple consists of 36 round pillars. There are 36 intervals between the Three Buddha halls and the Main Hall. This number connects to Amida Buddha’s 36 vows.
Take a quiet stroll through the Japanese garden. A small pond adds picturesque scenery. Ancient trees surround you. One kaya tree is 700 years old. There is a Japanese horse chestnut tree. There is a Chinese black pine tree. A Ginkgo tree stands tall. It is said that Buddha attained enlightenment under such a tree.
Today as you leave Jōshinji Temple remember its rich history. Remember the artistry and spiritual significance. It’s a place of peace and contemplation in bustling Tokyo.