Gazing up, you’ll notice the serene presence of Ryusenji Meguro Fudo. This Buddhist temple sits in Meguro Tokyo. It welcomes all who seek a moment of peace.
Ryusenji Meguro Fudo’s story stretches back to the early ninth century. Specifically, the year 808 marks its legendary beginning. Ennin, a traveling monk, founded it according to the temple’s lore. He enshrined a statue of Fudo-myoo during his journey. This journey led from Shimotsuke province to Mount Hiei. Many temples in eastern Japan share this origin story.
Let’s delve into the heart of Ryusenji Meguro Fudo. This temple belongs to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism. Its main image is a hibutsu statue of Fudo-myoo. This statue is usually kept hidden from public view. Ryusenji Meguro Fudo is also known as Meguro Fudo. Its name references the black-eyed statue of Fudo-myoo. This statue is one of five protective figures. These figures stood at strategic points around Edo. Edo was the capital of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Interestingly, the surrounding district of Meguro gets its name from this very statue. Each statue had eyes of a different color. Another Tokyo ward, Mejiro is named for the white-eyed Fudo-myoo.
Time has left its mark on Ryusenji Meguro Fudo. A fire in 1615 destroyed the main hall. The temple became a subsidiary of Kanei-ji in 1630. Tenkai, with Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu’s support, restored and enlarged it. During the Edo period, Ryusenji Meguro Fudo was famous for its lottery. People believed bathing in the temple’s springs or waterfall could cure illnesses. Guidebooks of the time featured Ryusenji as a major sightseeing spot.
Ryusenji Meguro Fudo also holds a poignant tale of romance. It is the burial place of Hirai Gompachi and Komurasaki. Their story has been told in Kabuki plays and tales. The temple also marks the friendship between Jose Rizal and Seiko Usui. Jose Rizal was a Filipino national hero. Seiko Usui was the daughter of a samurai.
Sadly, a fire in May 1978 destroyed much of the temple. Most of the structures you see today are modern reconstructions. However, one Edo period structure survived. The Seishi-do chapel still stands. Built in the mid-Edo period, it is a Designated Tangible Cultural Property of Meguro Ward.
Aoki Konyo’s grave is located in the cemetery. Aoki Konyo was a Confucian scholar who popularized sweet potato cultivation in Japan. His simple stone monument is a National Historic Site.
As you wander through Ryusenji Meguro Fudo, remember its long history. This Tendai Buddhist temple is a gem to visit. It is alluring to modern day Buddhists and tourists alike. Ryusenji Meguro Fudo offers a connection to old Japan. Take a moment to appreciate the spiritual dimensions and cultural richness.