“Ever heard of a temple that hosted cherry blossom parties for a powerful daimyo?” That’s Sorin-ji Temple. It stands near Maruyama Park in Kyoto. Let me tell you its story.
Sorin-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple. It boasts a history spanning over 1200 years. Monk Saicho founded it between 782 and 805. Saicho is also known as Dengyo Daishi. He brought the Tendai Sect to Japan.
The temple declined in importance during the Middle Ages. Monk Kokua Shonin revived it between 1394 and 1427. Sorin-ji then became the head temple of the Ji-shu sect. It was called Higashiyama-dojo. The Onin War partially destroyed the temple from 1467 to 1477. It was rebuilt and converted back to a Tendai sect temple during the Meiji Restoration from 1868 to 1889.
The temple grounds were once much larger. Parts of the property were given away in 1605 and 1653. This helped establish Kodaiji Temple and Maruyama Park.
Sorin-ji is famous for its cherry blossom viewing parties. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous daimyo, enjoyed the scenery here in 1584. Today, only the Saigyodo-hall and main hall remain.
The principal Buddha of Sorin-ji Temple is Yakushi. Yakushi is the Healing Buddha. Saicho created the statue. The government has designated it an Important Cultural Property. Yakushi holds a pot of medicines. These heal the sickness of body and mind.
Saicho studied Buddhism in China during the Tang Dynasty. He returned with Buddhist sutras and equipment for esoteric Buddhism. Emperor Kammu set up Sorin-ji. It was Japan’s first hall for Goma rituals. After the establishment of Hiezan Enryaku-ji Temple in 823 A.D., Sorin-ji became affiliated with it.
Sourinji is also dedicated to Kangi-ten. The model of Kangi-ten is Ganesha. Ganesha was a greedy devil with an elephant head. Kannon transformed into a woman devil. She offered to quench Ganesha’s lust if he became a Buddhist believer. Ganesha accepted and became Kangi-ten. “Kangi” means great ecstasy.
Sourinji Temple is where Goma service was first performed in Japan. In Goma, a priest burns small sticks of wood on the altar. He recites sutras to pray to Buddha. The flame is believed to burn up our foul passions. Worshippers dedicate the Goma sticks.
Sorin-ji Temple stands as a testament to Kyoto’s rich history. It is a place of beauty and spiritual significance. Take a moment to appreciate its peaceful atmosphere. Remember the stories of monks, daimyos, and healing Buddhas.