- backup - list of Buddhist priests

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The original is here


. Famous Buddhist Priests - ABC-List .


Backup on August 1, 2016






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Famous Buddhist Priests - ABC-List


日本の名僧・高僧 88人


doogoo 道号 "Name of the Way" after a person entered priesthood


Some priests have their name as a kigo for Haiku.
. Introducing Japanese Haiku Poets and People .

Many of them already have their own page and are mentioned in boldface.
Check the ABC-List of this BLOG.
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Abutsu ni 阿仏尼　あぶつに Nun Abutsu-Ni　（？ - 1283)

Ankokuji Ekei 安国寺恵瓊 (1539 – 1600)


Baisan Monpon 梅山聞本 (?- 1417)

Bankei Yōtaku 盤珪永琢 Yotaku (1622 - 1693)

Banna　鑁阿 (ばんな)　(1144 - 1199) (262)

Benkei, Musashibō Benkei 武蔵坊弁慶 Musashibo Benkei (1155–1189)


Chōgen, Choogen 重源 (1121 - 1206), Chogen, also known as Shunjōbō Chōgen 俊乗坊重源

Doogen 道元　Dogen Zenji （1200 - 1253）

Dookyoo 道鏡　Dokyo (? - 772)

Dooshoo 道昭　Dosho (629 - 700)


Eji 恵慈 えじ Eji （？～623？), Korean: Hyeja 　
He was a tutor of Buddhism to Shōtoku Taishi.

Eikan 永観　Eikan (1032 - 1111)

Eisai (Yoosai) 栄西　Eisai 1141 - 1215）

Eizan Shookin 瑩山紹瑾 Eizan Shokin (1268 - 1325)

Eizon 叡尊　Eizon (1201 - 1290)

Enchin 円珍　/ 圓珍 Enchin (814 - 891)

Enkan 円観　 Enkan　（1281 - 1356）

Enkuu, Enkū 円空 Enku (1632 – 1695)

Enni 円爾　Enni （1202 - 1280）

Ennin 円仁　Ennin Jigaku Daishi 慈覚大師 (794 - 864)

En no Ozune, Gyōja 役小角　En no Gyoja (634 - 706)

Ensai 円載　Ensai (? - 877)

Eshin Ni 恵信尼 Nun Eshin-Ni （1182 - ?1268）


Fukuda Gyookai 福田行誡 Fukuda Gyokai (1806 - 1888) (366)


Ganjin 鑑真　Ganjin / Jianzhen （688 - 763) Chinese monk

Gasan Jōseki, Jooseki 峨山韶碩 Gasan Joseki (1275 – 23 November 1366)

Genboo 玄肪　Genbo (? - 746)

Genshin 源信　Genshin (942 - 1017) (124)

Gesshoo 月照 Gessho (1813 - 1858) (354)

Getsushoo 月性 Getsusho (1817 - 1858) (352)

Gidoo Shuushin 義堂周信　Gido Shushin（1325 - 1388）

Gien　義淵（ぎえん） (? - 728)

Gudō Toshoku, Gudoo 愚堂東寔 Gudo Toshoku (1577 – 1661)

Gyooki 行基　Gyoki Bosatsu (668 - 749)

Gyooson, Gyōson 行尊 Gyoson (1057 - 1135) (136)


Hakuin Zenji 白隠禅師 Hakuin Ekaku (1686 - 1768)

Henjoo 遍昭　Henjo (816 - 890)

Hoonen 法然　Honen (1133 - 1212)

Hōzōin In'ei, Hoozoo-in 宝蔵院胤栄 Hozoin In-Ei (1521 – October 16, 1607)


Ikkyuu Soojun 一休宗純　Ikkyu Sojun　（1394 － 1481）

Ingen 隠元 Eisai Zenji 栄西禅師　(1141 - 1215)

Ippen 一遍　Ippen （1239 - 1289）

Issan Ichinei 一山一寧　 Issan（1247 - 1317）

Isshi Monju 一糸文守 Monju (1608 - 1646)


Jakuren 寂蓮　Jakuren (1139 - 1202)

Jakushin　寂心 Jakushin (? - 1001) (120)

Jien 慈円　 Jien (1155 - 1225)

Jitchū, Jitchuu 実忠 Jitchu (? - 824)

Jiun 慈雲 Jiun (1718 - 1804)

Junjoo 俊ジョウ（草冠にイ乃） (1166 - 1227)

Juubin 守敏　Jubin (? around 800)

Juugen 重源　Jugen (1121 - 1206) - see Choogen


Kaisen Jooki 快川紹喜 Kaisen Joki (? - 1582) (268)

Kakuban 覚鑁　Kakuban (1095 - 1143)

Kakunyo 覚如　Kakunyo （1270 - 1351）

Kakushin Ni 覚信尼　Nun Kakushin Ni （1224 - 1283）

Kakuyuu 覚猷　Kakuyu (1053 - 1140) (鳥羽僧正 Toba Sojo)

Kangan Giin 寒巌義尹 Kangan (1217–1300)

Kanjoo 寛朝 Kanjo (?916 - 998)

Kawaguchi Chiekai 河口慧海 Kawaguchi Chiekai (1866 - 1945) (370)

Keichuu 契沖 阿闍梨 Keichu Ajari (1640 - 1701)

Kanzan Egen 開山慧玄　Kanzan（1277 - 1360）

Kenkai 兼海 Kenkai (1107 - 11 June 1155)

Kennyo 顕如 Kennyo (1543 - 1592) (276)

Kinkoku Shoonin 金谷上人　Saint Kinkoku Shonin (1761 - 1832) (316)

Kokan Shiren 虎関師錬　Kokan（1278 - 1346）

Kookei, Koogei, Kōkei 皇慶 Kokei (?977 – 1049)

Kooen Kōen 皇円　Koen (? - ?1169) 肥後阿闍梨 Higo Ajari

Koogon 光厳法皇　Kogon Ho-O（1313 - 1364）

Kōsai, Koosai 幸西 Kosai (1163 – May 20, 1247)

Koun Ejō 孤雲懐奘 Ko-Un (1198 - 1280)

Kuukai 空海　弘法大師 Kukai Kobo Daishi (774 - 835)

Kuuya 空也　Saint Kuya (903 - 972)

Kyoonyo 教如 Kyonyo (1558 - 1614)


Mansai 満済　Mansai (1378 - 1435) (246)

Minchuu 明兆　Minchu　（1351 - 1431）　

Mokujiki 木喰五行 Mokujiki Gogyo (1718 - 1810)

Mokujiki Oogo　木食応其 Mokujiki Ogo (1536 - 1608) (270)

Mongaku 文覚　Mongaku (?1193 - ?1205)

Monkan 文観　　Monkan （1278　-　1357）

Mugaku Sogen 無学祖元　Mugaku, Wuxue Zuyuan （1226 - 1286）

Mujū Dōkyō, Mujuu Dookyoo 無住道曉 Muji Dokyo (1 January 1227 - 9 November 1312)

Musoo Soseki 無窓疎石　Muso Soseki （1275 - 1351）

Myooe, Myōe 明恵 Myoe, Myo-E (1173 - 1232)


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. boozu　坊主 priest, お坊さん　O-Bo-San .

oshoo 和尚　priest
nyuudoo 入道　Nyudo priest
shoonin, shônin 上人 saint, head priest of a temple
daitoko 大徳（だいとこ）daitoku だいとく priest of high standard
soojoo. sôjô 僧正 high-ranking priest, "archbishop"
meisoo 名僧 famous priest / monk
koosoo 高僧 high-ranking priest


Photo by Tamamura Kōzaburō (1856 - 1923)

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- - - many priests with names starting with NICHI belong to the Nichiren sect - - -

Nichigen, Buzen Nichigen 豊前日源 (?1263 – 1315)

Nichiji 日持 (Kaiko) (February 10, 1250 – ?1304)

Nichijin 日陣 Nichijin (May 30, 1339 - June 14, 1419)

Nichiken, Awaji Nichiken(淡路日賢 (1243–1338)

Nichimoku 日目 Nichimoku (1260 – 1333)

Nichiō, Nichioo 日奥 Nichio, NichiO (1565 – 1630)

Nichiren 日蓮　Saint Nichiren　（1222 - 1282）

Nichiroo, Nichirō 日朗　Nichiro （1243 - 1320）

Nichizoo, Nichizō 日像　Nichizo（1269 - 1342）

Nikkō, Nikkoo 日興 Nikko (1246 –1333)

Nikoo, Minbu Nikō 民部日向 Mibu Niko (1253 - 1314)

Ninshoo 忍性　Ninsho (1217 - 1303)

Nisshin 日親　Nisshin（1407 - 1488）

Nisshō, Nisshoo 日昭 Nissho, (?1221 – 1323)

Nitchō, Nitchoo 日頂 Nitcho (1252 – April 19, 1317)

Nomura Moto Ni 野村望東尼 Nun Nomura Motoni (1806 - 1867) (350)

Noonin, Dainichibō Nōnin 大日房能忍 Nonin ( ? 1190)

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Ootagaki Rengetsu, Ōtagak 太田垣蓮月 Nun Otagaki Rengetsu (1791 - 1875)

Ootani Kooen Kubutsu 大谷光演 / 大谷句仏 Otani Koen (1875 - 1943)

Raigoo 頼豪 Raigo (1002 - 1084)

Rankei Dooryuu 蘭渓道隆　Rankei Doryu （1213 - 1278）

Rennyo 蓮如　Rennyo （1415 - 1499）

Rensei / Renshoo 蓮生　れんせい・れんじょう　 Rensho / Renjo (1141 - 1208)

Rooben, Rōben 良弁　 Roben (689 - 773)

Ryoogen 良源　 Ryogen (912 - 985) (116)

Ryookan 良寛 Ryokan, Taigu 大愚 (1758 - 1831)

Ryoonin 良忍　 Ryonin (1073 - 1132)

Ryuukoo 隆光 Ryuko (1649 - 1724)


Saichoo, Saichō 最澄　伝教大師 Saicho Dengyo Daishi (767 - 822)

Saigyoo Hooshi 西行法師　Saigyo Hoshi (1118 - 1190)

Sakuden 策伝 Sakuden (1554 - 1641)

Sengai 仙厓義梵 Sengai Gibon (175 1– 1837)

Sengaku 仙覚 Sengaku (?1203 - 1273)

Sesson Shuukei 雪村周継　Sesson (1504 - 1589)

Sesshuu 雪舟等楊　Sesshu Toyo （1420 - 1506）

Setouchi Jakuchō, Jakuchoo 瀬戸内寂聴 Nun Setouchi Jakucho (May 15, 1922 - )

Shimaji Mokurai 島地黙雷 Shimaji (1838 - 1911) (368)

Shinnyo 真如　 Shinnyo 親王 (799 - 865) (132)

Shinran 親鸞　 Shinran (1173 - 1262)

Shinshō, Shinshoo 真紹 Shinsho (797 – 873)

Shooboo 聖宝 Shobo (832 - 909)

Shoodoo 勝道　Shodo (735 - 817)

Shōkū, Shookuu 証空 Shoku (1177 - 1247), Seizan 西山

Shunkan 俊寛 Shunkan (c. 1143 – 1179)

Shunoku myooha 春屋妙葩　Shunoku Myoha（1311 - 1388）

- - soohei, sōhei 僧兵 Sohei, lit. "monk warriors", fighting monks

Suuden, Konchi-In Suuden 金地院崇伝 / Ishin Sūden 以心崇伝 Suden （1569 - 1633）

Suzuki Shosan 鈴木正三 Shosan (1579 - 1655) (288)

Suzuki Shunryū, Shunryuu 鈴木俊隆 Suzuki Shunryu (1904 - 1971) Zen


Taichō, Taichoo 泰澄 Taicho (682 – 767) Tengu from Mount Hakusan

Taigen Suufu 太原崇孚, 太原雪斎 Taigen Sessai (1469 - 1555) (266)

Taihan 泰範 (?817 )　disciple of Kukai (96)

Takeda Motsugai 武田物外 Takeda Motsugai (1795 - 1867)

Takuan, Takuan Sōhō 沢庵宗彭 Takuan Soho (1573 – 1645)

Tenkai 天海 Tenkai (1536 – 1643) / Nankōbō Tenkai 南光坊天海

Tettsū Gikai, Tettsu 徹通義介 Tetsu Gikai (1219 - 1309)

Tokuitsu 徳一 Tokuichi, Toku-Itsu (781? - 842?)


Uda Hoo-oo 宇多法皇　Uda Ho-O (879 - 931)


Yasutani Hakuun 安谷白雲 Yasutani Haku-Un (1885 - 1973) Kamakura Zendo

Yootaku, Bankei Yōtaku 盤珪永琢 Yotaku (1622 - 1693)

Yuien　唯円 Yuien,Yui-En (1222 - 1289)　

Yuukai 宥快　Yukai (1345 - 1416)

Yuuten 祐天 Yuten (1637 - 1718)


Zekkai Chuushin 絶海中津　Sekkai Chushin（1336 - 1405）

Zenjin ni 善信尼　Nun Zenjin-Ni (? sixth century)

Zenran 善鸞　Zenran (1217 - 1286)

Zooga、Sooga　増賀　Zoga, Soga (917 - 1003) (122)

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知っておきたい日本の名僧 / 瓜生中 Uryu Naka



日本名僧列伝 / 柏原祐泉 (編集), 薗田香融 (編集)



事典 日本の名僧 / 今泉淑夫 (編集)
180人の僧を没年順に収載した



名僧でたどる日本の仏教 / 末木文美士



名僧 １００人
- reference : ne.jp/asahi/kiwameru/kyo -


more books about 日本の名僧 - 16 pages
日本名僧辞典 1976
日本をつくった名僧一〇〇人
日本の名僧入門―日本人の心を創りあげた二十人の素顔と生きざま
- source : www.amazon.co.jp -

List with books about the priests
- reference : yoshikawa-k.co.jp-


"Japanese Buddhist monks" - ABC-list
- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !

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Iyo Yakushi Pilgrimage

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Yakushipedia - ABC-Index 薬師如来 .
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Iyo 12 Yakushi Temples, Shikoku 伊予十二薬師霊場

This pilgrimage was created about 30 years ago for Yakushi Temples around Matsuyama castle in the directions of the 12 zodiac animals. With a car or bus they can be visited in one day.



01 - 東林寺 Torin-Ji - Nezumi 子(ね)
02 - 医座寺 - Ushi 丑(うし)
03 - 蓮華寺 - I 亥(い)
04 - 西法寺 - Tora 寅(とら)
05 - 正観寺 - U 卯(う)
06 - 香積寺 - Tatsu 辰(たつ)
07 - 長隆寺 - Mi 巳(み)
08 - 雲門寺 - Uma 午(うま)
09 - 金蓮寺 - Saru 申(さる)
10 - 長楽寺 - Tori 酉(とり)
11 - 浄明寺 - Inu 戌(いぬ)
12 - 薬師寺 - Yakushi-ji - Hitsuji 未(ひつじ)

A pilgrimage to the 12 zodiac animals.

There are 12 zodiac animals, also representing one of the heavenly directions.

. ne 子 (nezumi 鼠) Rat (mouse)
. ushi 丑 Ox (cow, bull) .
. tora 寅 Tiger .
. u (usagi) 卯 Rabbit .
. tatsu 辰 Dragon .
. mi (hebi) 巳 Snake, Serpent .
. uma 午 Horse .
. mi (hitsuji) 未 Ram (sheep) .
. saru 申 Monkey .
. tori 酉 Rooster (chicken, cock) .
. inu 戌 Dog .
. i (inoshishi) 亥 Boar (wild boar) .

. 干支霊場 Pilgrimages to 12 Zodiac Animals Temples .
- Introduction -


The Seven Yakushi Temples of Iyo 伊予七薬師霊場
founded by
. Gyooki Bosatsu 行基菩薩 Gyoki Bosatsu . (668 - 749)
-- see below --

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01 - Toorinji 東林寺 Torin-Ji
松山市福角町甲645 / Matsuyama




shuin　朱印 stamp

yakuyoke Yakushi 厄除け薬師

- Homepage of the temple
- source : fudasho.web.fc2.com/1ban/iyo

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02 小谷山医座寺 Iza-Ji
愛媛県松山市東大栗町甲656 / 656 Higashioguricho, Matsuyama, Ehime


Shusse Yakushi　出世薬師　for a good career
The letters of this huge stone memorial were carved according to the writings of 伝教大師最澄聖人 Dengyo Daishi, the founder of the Tendai sect.
On the ground is a memorial with sand from all the Yakushi temples of the Henro pilgrimage to 88 temples in Shikoku.
There are also stones from the 中国天台山 Chinese Tendai Temple and from インドの仏跡 Buddha relics of India.

This temple has been founded by Gyoki Bosatsu in 706.
In 829 the honorable priest Koojoo 別当大師光定 Betto Daishi Kojo (779 - 858) of 伊予の国風早 Kazahaya made it to a temple of the Tendai sect, with a tradition of 1300 years burning the light of the Buddhist Law.

The temple is about 5 km away from 堀江町 Horie villlage.
The villagers call this temple.
おおぐりのおやくしさん Ooguri no O-Yakushi San.

Once upon a time in a village of the 医座山(白山) "White Mountain" there was 一位木(あららぎ) a sacred Araragi tree. The tree was so huge it made a large shadow on the nearby fields and the farmers asked Gyoki for help. So he felled the tree. To appease the spirit of the tree he then carved seven statues of Yakushi Nyorai and placed them in seven temples, which he founded in Iyo.
伊予七薬師霊場 The Seven Yakushi Temples of Iyo.

医座寺 Iza-Ji / 十輪寺 Jurin-Ji / 03 蓮華寺 Renge-Ji / 安養寺 Anyo-Ji / 05 正観寺 Shokan-Ji / 08 雲門寺 Unmon-Ji / 西光寺 Saiko-Ji
安養寺 is now known as 石手寺 Ishite-Ji.
The 12 Yakushi Temples of Iyo were later added as a pilgrimage.

- Homepage of the temple
- source : izaji.jp/en_index -


. Shusse Yakushi 出世薬師 . 　*

. ichii, araragi 一位 yew tree, Taxus baccata .
- various kigo -

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Kinoyama Jinja 木野山神社 Shrine Kinoyama
愛媛県松山市東大栗町

Deities in residence
素盞鳴命 Susano no Mikoto / 大山積命 Oyamatsumi no Mikoto



This shrine is located int he back mountain of Iza-Ji, whereas the temple is located at its foot. The mountain was named 医座山 Izayama or 白山 Hakusan "White Mountain" (since salt was found there.)

- reference : makild.exblog.jp-

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03 室岡山蓮華寺 Renge-Ji
愛媛県松山市谷町257 / 室岡山 Shikkoozan Rengeji / Murookayama Rengeji



On the 17th day of the 6th lunar month in 743, the bright light of Yakushi was seen over the mountain. Since Gyoki was there on his pilgrimage, he founded the temple
The present main hall has been re-constructed in 1674.

- Chant of the temple
信あれば病はなおる蓮華寺 るりのくすりを 与えまします

松山新四国88霊場、四国88霊場番外
extra Fudasho on the Shikoku Pilgrimage to 88 Holy Sites in Matsuyama

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04 Saihooji 大楽山西法寺 Saiho-Ji
松山市下伊台町

薬師如来（伝教大師作） Statue of Yakushi Nyorai carved by Dengyo Daishi
. Saicho, Dengyo Daishi 伝教大師最澄 (766-822) .

The temple is located between Dogo Onsen and 奥道後温泉 Oku Dogo Onsen in a small valley.




usuzumizakura, usuzumi-zakura 薄墨桜 "light black Cherry blossoms"
“pale grey cherry blossom”
This famous cherry tree has been in the compound of the temple since the Asuka period.
- reference : userweb.shikoku.ne.jp/usuzum -

- quote -
Usuzumi yokan (sweet bean jelly)



This yokan has green tea flavor and its elegant sweetness. Usuzumi yokan was named after the Usuzumi cherry blossoms at Saiho-ji Temple in Matsuyama. The white beans in the jelly colored like a dark green leaf reminds you of the petals of the cherry blossom. This yokan is said to have originated in 1874 and has been awarded many prizes and is one of the famous confections in the nation.
- source : city.matsuyama.ehime.jp -

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05 Onoyama Shookannji 小野山正観寺 Shokan-Ji
松山市北梅本町 1745 / 1745 Kitaumemotomachi, Matsuyama

小野薬師 Onoyama Yakushi
It used to be one of the 伊予七薬師 Seven Yakushi of Iyo and was then called
Yamada Yakushi 山田薬師


- reference and more photos : blogs.yahoo.co.jp/hshi2921 -

The temple was founded by Gyoki Bosatsu about 1200 years ago.
It was located differently, but Lord 河野通廣 Kono Michihiro (? - 1263) had it rebuilt in its present location.
Now people have a festival on the 17th of July.
Onoyama is also spelled 長尾山. It is related to 住吉神 Sumiyoshi no Kami.

It is related to Ono no Komachi and thus a temple where people come to pray for health and beauty.

Ono no Komachi took a retreat for 100 days of prayer here, on request of the Sumiyoshi Deiry, to cure an illness.

春雨の降ると見えしか霽にけり その箕笠をそこに脱置く

It seemed that rain was falling, but the weather returned to fair, and the kasa was put aside

When she visited the region three years later, she had a new statue of Yakushi carved, inside who's head she inserted the verse.
- source : Bernard Faure - google books


. Three famous regional Yakushi Temples .
Shimane Prefecture, Ichihata Yakushi 島根県 一畑薬師
Fukuoka Prefecture, Kurume, 永勝寺 Eisho-Ji
Ehime Prefecture, Yamada Yakushi 愛媛県宇和町 山田薬師


. Ono no Komachi 小野 小町 Waka Poetess and Famous Beauty . (825 — 900

- reference : -

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06 Kooshakuji 瑠璃山香積寺 Koshaku-Ji
愛媛県東温市田窪1504 / 重信町田窪1504 - Toon town, Tanokubo




Katade Yakushi 隻手薬師 "Yakushi with one arm"

A temple related to Mount Koyasan and Kobo Daishi.



o-mamori　お守り amulets
A special amulet about Hariko Daishi 張子大師　"papermache doll Daishi" is available.

家内安全 traffic safety, 病気平癒 health, 厄除け warding off evil, 安産 safe birth

- Homepage of the temple
- source : katateyakushi.com/index

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07 Chooryuuji 興福山長隆寺 Choryu-Ji
松山市来住町 Kishimachi 996−4

長隆寺禅寺 Choryu-Ji Zendera

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08 - 雲門寺 Unmon-Ji
愛媛県松山市星岡1丁目1-8 / Matsuyama, Hoshioka



岡薬師瑠璃光如来 Oka Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai
The Yakushi Hall of this temple is at the top of 星岡山 Mount Hoshioka san.
奥之院薬師堂は星岡山の山頂

During the Sengoku period of the warring states, Hoshioka was a region of constant fighting. The Yakushi Hall 薬師堂 of the temple is on these grounds, it was built in 1073.
This Yakushi helps to cure warts and other skin troubles and since olden times pilgrims came here from Okayama, Hiroshima and other parts of Japan.

The main festival is on the 17th of July.



- Homepage of the temple
- source : unmonji.com -

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09 玉松山金蓮寺 Konren-Ji
松前町西古泉65 Masaki Cho, Nishikoizumi, Iyo-Gun, Ehime
A temple of the Shingon sect.
The old name of the temple was
Shoojinji 性尋（しょうじん）寺 Shojin-Ji
It has been found in the Heian period around 808 by the 河野氏 Kano clan.


source and more photos : blog.livedoor.jp/awatennbou/archives

Later in the Kamakura period, a priest named 明海上人 Myokai Shonin layed a new foundation.
It also relates to 義農作兵衛 Gino Sakubei (around 1732) and a great famine at that time.

ryuutoo Yakushi 龍灯薬師 Yakushi of the Dragon Lantern

Once upon a time
the fishermen of Masaki went out to the sea for fishing, when the weather suddenly turned bad. They tried to get back to land as fast as they could, but the strong wind and currents drifted the boat further out to sea. The fishermen rowed the boat with all their might, but eventually lost all their strength and just sang the Amida prayer:
「南無阿弥陀仏。南無阿弥陀仏。」 Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu.

Suddenly they saw a light on the horizon, and then one more, and one more. They rowed the boat toward that light in hope for help. The three lights kept flickering as if they wanted to encourage the fishermen to do their best. This light came, in fact, from a pine tree in the compound of the temple.



ryuutoo no matsu 龍灯のマツ the Dragon Lamp Pine

The fishermen rowed faster and faster to reach this light and finally came to the beach.
"Thanks to the Buddha from temple Konren-Ji. Let us give thanks and pray!"
The fishermen stood in front of the pine and looked up to see the light again, but now all was dark.

"This must have been a dragon dancing and thus bringing light to the sea of Masaki!"

Eventually years later in a storm this pine tree broke down, but before it died, the fishermen took a branch and planted it anew. And to their surprize the new tree had three main stems. Thus they understood that this pine tree was the dancing dragon.
The tree we can see now is a much later generation.

. ryuutoo 竜灯 / 龍燈 "dragon lamp", dragon lantern .
phosphorescent lights seen at sea at night, thought to be the torches of the Dragon King

A phenomenon at the Ariakekai sea in Kagoshima, Kyushu, in the evening hours.
It is also seen in other parts of Japan as a light that the Dragon God sends out to honor the deities of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan.

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10 Choorakuji 長楽寺 Choraku-Ji
松山市西垣生町1250　/ Nishihabu

In the very South of Matsuyama is a region called 今出(いまず) Imazu. At its entrance is a magnificent gate, almost like the entrance to a Dragon Palace.
the Mitsujoomon 密乗門　Mitsujo-Mon Gate.



In the temple compound is also a hall for 弁天堂 Benten, where businessmen come to pray.



At the Yakushi Do 薬師堂 Yakushi Hall
the villagers from Habu come to pray for good fortune, a good harvest and protection from illness.
In former times there were three large pine trees in the compuond. People picked up the pine cones, burned them to put the smoke and smell on their bodies and prayed. The ashes of the pine cones were said to heal warts.
In front of the main hall is a statue of
ichigan Fudo 一眼不動尊 "Fudo with one eye"
who also grants just one wish (ichigan　一願) of the worshippers.
(With two eyes, Fudo sees very clearly all the bad points of a human, with one eye he sees only half and can thus extend his benevolence and mercy to more people.)
There are other temples with such a Fudo statue in Japan.
. Ichigan Fudo 一願不動 One Wish Fudo .



shuin　朱印　stamp of the temple


密乗の門太白花仰き入る

村上霽月 Murakami Seigetsu (1869 - 1946)
His grave is at the temple Choraku-Ji.

. Seigetsu Ki 霽月忌 Seigetsu Memorial Day .
- kigo for spring - February 15.

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11 Joomyooin 浄明院 Jomyo-In
松山市別府町546 / Matsuyama-shi, Befuchō, 546 / 飯岡山

The temple is surrounded by a white mud wall. The 仁王門 Nio-O Gate is new with two new statues. Red flags are placed along the access to the Yakushi Hall.

- reference -

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12 瑠璃光山薬師寺 Yakushi-Ji
松山市泉町122 / Izumimachi

周囲はビルで囲まれる境内で参道は長く古木の並木で在り寺院の後ろに見えるビルは似合うとはいえない　山門を過ぎて驚くは超モダンな本堂でコンクリートは理解出来るが其の色付けが奇抜で在る　前には生駒山から勧請したと云う聖天堂が古い形で保たれる

- reference -

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Nokyo-Cho 納経帳 stamp book



source : xxx

At the end of the pilgrimage !
伊予十二薬師　 記念台紙

- reference -

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伊予七薬師霊場 The Seven Yakushi Temples of Iyo
- - - see the numbers above - - -
02 医座寺 Iza-Ji
03 蓮華寺 Renge-Ji
05 正観寺 Shokan-Ji
08 雲門寺 Unmon-Ji

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Anyooji 安養寺 Anyo-Ji
松山市二神甲 640

. Ishiteji 石手寺 Ishite-Ji - "Stone Hand Temple" .

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Juurinji 十輪寺 Jurin-Ji
松山市庄甲 810

庄薬師堂　Sho Yakushi



This temple originated in manor (荘園), but the statue of Yakushi was heavily damaged.
Two statues are now 重要文化財指定, dating back to the Heian period.

- reference : sji.mints.ne.jp　-

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Saikooji 西光寺 Saiko-Ji
松山市枝松町 1-2-26 / 1 Chome-2-26 Edamatsu, Matsuyama, Ehime


source : your-wing.jp/2014/09/27

This temple belongs now to the Zen sect and offers 座禅 meditation courses.

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. Yakushipedia - ABC-Index 薬師如来 .

. Yakushi Nyorai - Legends from the provinces .

. Yakushi Nyorai Pilgrimages 薬師霊場巡り - Introduction .


. O-Mamori お守り　Amulets and Talismans .

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC List .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　. TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ] - - - #iyoyakushipilgrimage #gyokibosatsu - - -
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Eto Zodiac Animals Pilgrimages

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .
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干支霊場 Pilgrimage to 12 Zodiac Animals Temples

. 12 Zociac animals 干支 eto, kanshi .
- Introduction -

There are 12 zociac animals, also representing one of the heavenly directions.

. ne 子 (nezumi 鼠) Rat (mouse)

. ushi 丑 Ox (cow, bull) .

. tora 寅 Tiger .

. u (usagi) 卯 Rabbit .

. tatsu 辰 Dragon .

. mi (hebi) 巳 Snake, Serpent .

. uma 午 Horse .

. mi (hitsuji) 未 Ram (sheep) .

. saru 申 Monkey .

. tori 酉 Rooster (chicken, cock) .

. inu 戌 Dog .

. i (inoshishi) 亥 Boar (wild boar) .

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The combination of Buddhas and zodiac animals belongs to the theory of
Eight Protecting Buddhist Deities (Hachi Hogo Butsu, Hachi Shugo Butsu 八守護仏)



Also known as the
. Ichidai Mamori Honzon 一代守本尊 .

- Buddhas related to the Zodiac Animals
4 of the Buddhas connect to two zodiac animals.

子歳生れ ― 千手観音　Senju Kannon - rat/mouse
丑寅歳生れ ― 虚空蔵菩薩 Kokuzo Bosatsu - ox and tiger
卯歳生れ　―　文殊菩薩　Monju Bosatsu - 　rabbit
辰巳歳生れ―　普賢菩薩　Fugen Bosatsu - dragon and snake
午歳生れ　―　勢至菩薩　Seishi Bosatsu - horse
未申歳生れ―　大日如来 Dainichi Nyorai - ram/sheep and monkey
酉歳生れ　―　不動明王　Fudo Myo-O - rooster
戌亥歳生れ―　阿弥陀如来 Amida Nyorai - dog and wild boar

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Eto Mamori Hachi Butsu Honzon 干支守り八仏本尊
Pilgrimage to 8 Temples of Zodiac Animals
A pilgrimage in 三浦半島 Miura Hanto



① 午歳／勢至菩薩（長安寺）
② 子歳／千手観音菩薩（傳福寺）
③ 未申歳／大日如来（妙音寺）
④ 卯歳／文殊菩薩（延壽寺）
⑤ 酉歳／不動明王（武山不動院）
⑥ 戌亥歳／阿弥陀如来（浄楽寺）
⑦ 丑寅歳／虚空蔵菩薩（玉蔵院）
⑧ 辰巳歳／普賢菩薩（延命寺）


干支守り本尊八佛霊場めぐりガイド

十二支が干支に因んだ仏様八尊に配置されている。正しくは「一代守り本尊」といい、各ご本尊様を信心することにより、自らの生きる力を得、人生の吉祥を招くばかりか、災厄消除、福徳延命のご利益が授かる。
- reference : eto8.net-

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武州寄居十二支守り本尊まいり Bushu



- reference : yorii-kanko.jp/12si -

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. 伊予十二薬師霊場 Iyo 12 Yakushi Temples, Shikoku .
Mostly in Matsuyama.




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Sendai 仙台の十二支守り本尊 Sendai Eto Mairi　仙台　干支参り

子（ねずみ）・ 善入院観音堂 Kannon-Do
丑（うし）・寅（とら）・虚空蔵堂大満寺 Daiman-Ji
卯（うさぎ）・ 鷲巣山文殊堂 Monju-Do
辰（たつ）・ 巳（へび）・ 愛宕神社 Atago Jinja
午（うま）・ 二十三夜堂 Nijusanya-Do
未（ひつじ）・ 申（さる）・ 大日堂 Dainichi-Do
酉（とり）・ 三瀧山不動院 Fudo-In
戌（いぬ）・亥（いのしし） 大崎八幡宮 Hachiman-Gu

- reference : and map -

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会津十二支守り本尊/巡礼 Aizu
武州寄居十二支守り本尊まいり Bushu
干支の守護神 Kyoto
大阪府内で干支参り Osaka
首里十二ヶ所巡り（十二支の寺回り）Shuri
- and many many MANY more

- reference -

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. O-Mamori お守り　Amulets and Talismans .


. Fudō Myō-ō, Fudoo Myoo-Oo 不動明王 Fudo Myo-O
Acala Vidyârâja - Vidyaraja - Fudo Myoo .

. 薬師如来 Yakushi Nyorai 薬師如来 Bhaisajyaguru - ABC .


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. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　. TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
- - #etoreijo #zodiacanimals #pilgrimageto12temples -
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Ganjoju-In Shizuoka

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. 不動明王 Fudo Myo-O - Introduction .
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Ganjoojuin 願成就院 Ganjoju- In, Shizuoka
静岡県伊豆の国市寺家83-1 / Jike 83-1, Izunokuni



Famous for its statues carved by
. 運慶 Unkei (? - 1223) .

- quote
GANJOJUIN
When you enter the temple gate, there is a big pond with a bridge, which people cross to make pilgrimage. For the overall scheme of a whole hill at the back region centering on the precinct yard of the present “Ganjojuin temple”,
a style of temple that is peculiar to the Fujiwara era, known as Jodo style, is applied. It is one of the seven remaining famous historic spots in Japan such as Motsuji temple in Hiraizumi and Joruriji temple in Kyoto.



It is said that the temple was founded in 729, but according to “Azuma Kagami (Mirror of the East)”, a Japanese medieval text that chronicles events of the Kamakura period, the temple was established in 1189 to pray for the victory of Oshu Conquest by Yoritomo Minamoto.
It was proven that the five statues that have been enshrined in the temple since the time of its founding, namely, the Seated Statue of Amida-Nyorai, which is the principal image of the temple, the Standing Statue of
Fudo Myoo with two Youths (Kongara Doji and Seitaka Doji) and the
Standing Statue of Bishamonten, were created by Unkei,
as indicated by the signature plates of the statues’ creation that were set within the abdomens of the statues.
The temple has repeatedly been hit by the fires of war, yet it was re-established by a descendant of the Hojo clan during the Edo period. After World War II in the Showa period, these temple treasures caught the attention of Asakusa merchants who visited the temple every year on their pleasure trip. They made efforts and established a new main hall to protect these fascinating statues. The temple treasures, which have been protected by the chic status of Edo, were designated as national treasures in 2013.
- source : adventurejapan.jp

In the temple compound is also the grave of
北条時政のお墓 Hojo Tokimasa.

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不動明王二童子立像
Fudo is about 137 cm high, Seitaka Doji 81 cm and Kongara Doji 80 cm.
The group stands at the side of the main statue of Amida Nyorai 阿弥陀如来.
An inscription inside the statue 塔婆形銘札 (and that of Bishamonten) gives the date as 1186, made on behalf of
北条時政 Hojo Tokimasa.





CLICK for more photos !

The statue of Fudo was carved according to the
. 不動十九観 19 Characteristic Signs of Fudo Myo-O .

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In front of the gate, some Artwork from pine cones :
Amida, Bishamonten and Fudo Myo-O
阿弥陀如来、毘沙門天、不動明王の松ぼっくりアート


source : 坂田泉

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shuin　朱印 stamp

- Homepage of the temple
- source : city.izunokuni.shizuoka.jp



source : city.izunokuni.shizuoka.jp/bunka_bunkazai

国宝「願成就院運慶作諸仏」

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. O-Mamori お守り　Amulets and Talismans .


. Fudō Myō-ō, Fudoo Myoo-Oo 不動明王 Fudo Myo-O
Acala Vidyârâja - Vidyaraja - Fudo Myoo .

. 薬師如来 Yakushi Nyorai 薬師如来 Bhaisajyaguru - ABC .


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- - - - - H A I K U - - - - -

願成就院まで茶の花の匂ふ道
Ganjooju-In made cha no hana no niou michi

all the way
to Ganjoju-In the fragrance
of tea blossoms

下里美恵子 Shimosato Mieko

. WKD : cha no hana 茶の花 tea blossoms .
- kigo for early winter -


source : kyoto-minpo.net/hokkori/archives

Shizuoka is famous for its tea plantations.

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願成就院裏山に笹子鳴く
Ganjooju-In urayama ni sasako naku

in the back mountain
of Ganjoju-In
a nightingale sings

森賢之助 Mori Kennosuke

. sasako 笹子 nightingale .
笹鳴きをしているウグイス - kigo for all winter



source : eyne.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-751 ...

Along the road of the 裏山 back mountain of the temple are
gohyaku rakan 五百羅漢 statues of the 500 Arhats.

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. Pilgrimages to Fudo Temples 不動明王巡礼
Fudo Myo-O Junrei - Fudo Pilgrims - INTRODUCTION .


. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　. TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
- - #ganjojuinshizuoka #ganjojuin -
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Somen Noodles Jizo

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
- Jizo Bosatsu 地蔵菩薩 - ABC-List -
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Soomen Jizoo そうめん地蔵 Somen Noodles Jizo

. soomen 索麺 Somen noodles .
hiya soomen 冷索麺 cold Somen noodles in Summer
- Introduction -


source : matome.naver.jp/odai

Nagashi somen 流しそうめん "noodles flowing past"
a typical summer food to enjoy outside.
Small bundles of Somen noodles are send down a 'half-pipe' (usually made of bamboo) flowing with cold water from a nearby clean brook. You pick them up as they flow past and dip them into a small bowl with soy sauce and some herbs and spices for extra flavoring. The last bundle is usually colored, mostly pink.

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Once upon a time
the lord of Katsuyama castle 氏家勝山城 went to a pilgrimage to Nikko. After the important pilgrimage was over and he was on his way home, the Lord realized that he had not eaten a thing since the morning and suddenly, relaxed, he felt quite hungry.
Just then he passed the temple 満願寺 Mangan-Ji.
But the priest at the temple was quite a wicked one and served him only cold Somen noodles.
Word of this wicked priest had come to the Jizo from Nikko. He changed his form to a young monk with the blink of an eye came to the temple Mangan-Ji. He asked the priest: "Please give me some food!"
The priest smiled to himself "Today I can do a lot of wicked things!" and served the young monk some Somen noodles.
The young monk begun to eat, first 10 bowls, then 100 bowls and even 300 bowls with great pleasure and was still hungy. The old priest had his pride too and served ever more. But eventually his mean spirit was appeased and he got quite afraid of this young monk.
After he had finished all the bowls, the young monk said "Thank you so much for this meal!" Then he went home.



After he had left, the woodworkers from the valley came running up to the temple and shouted:
"Help help, our valley is suddenly full of Somen noodles!"
When the old mean priest went to the valley, he saw the river all white with the noodles floating downwhill.
Then he understood. The young monk must have been Jizo Bosatsu, trying to teach him a lesson.
And from this day on, he canged his mean ways and become a friendly, caring old priest.
The valley got the name そうめん谷 "Somen Valley" and the Jizo came to be called
soomen Jizo そうめん地蔵 The Somen Noodle Jizo.
- reference : city.tochigi-sakura.lg.jp xxx

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. 出流山 満願寺 - Izurusan Mangan-Ji .
栃木県栃木市出流町288 // 288 Izurumachi, Tochigi
Mangan-Ji temple is the seventeenth temple in the Bando (33 Kannon temples of kango region) pilgrimage circuit.


CLICK for more photos!

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そうめん地蔵 Somen Noodles Jizo
This legend tells about the origin of the ritual
Nikkoo Goohan-Shiki 日光強飯式 Nikko Gohanshiki
From Rinno-Ji in Nikko.

. Rinnoo-JI Goohanshiki 輪王寺強飯式 .

The story is just a bit different from the one told above.

About 400 years ago, at the temple 地蔵寺 Jizo-Ji, there was a very gentle kind priest. One day he was asked by 勝山城の左衛門尉 the lord from Katsuyama castle, Saemonnojo, to go to Nikko to Shrine 二荒山神社 Futaarayama Jinja on his behalf. The priest agreed cheerfully and was on his way.
Having finished his business, on his way home, he stopped near 滝尾別所 and suddenly felt very hungry. So went to a nearby temple and asked for a bowl of Somen noodles. The priest of the temple was a rather wicked person and asked him to come in, with a wicked smile on his face.

After some time the priest carried a huge tray to his visitor with a huge bowl of Somen.
"Since you asked for a bowl, we brought you one. Now you have to eat it all!"
The priest ate as much as he could, but still could not eat it all and begun to cry and apologized. But the wicked priest did not accept his apology.



Just in this moment a traveling monk appeared and asked:
"Please let me have one bowl of Somen noodles!"
The priest grinned from ear to ear and brought another huge bowl of Somen noodles.
But the travelilng monk just ate it all with no problem, slurping down the noodles. In no time the huge bowl was empty.
The priest got angry, had his subordinate priests buy all so Somen noodles in all of Nikko and offered them to the traveling monk. But the monk only smiled and slurped the huge portion of noodles in no time.
The priest and his subordinates were quite perplex and whowh - the traveling monk just vanished like smoke in the air. In his place stood a Jizo now. This was in fact the Jizo from the temple of the priest from Jizo-Ji.
Now the wicked priest apologized with tears in his eyes.
Then a woodworker came running past, calling out that the whole Western Valley was full of Somen floating down the river.



So the valley was called そうめん谷 Somen Valley and the Jizo became known as そうめん地蔵 Somen Jizo.
- reference : nihon.syoukoukai.com/modules -

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A legend involving Somen
from Nara, 大塔村 Oto village

Once upon a time a woodworker went to the forest for work. But he did not come home in the evening and his wife got worried. All the people from her family went out looking for him. The husband had carried some Abura-Age Tofu for his lunch, and a fox had gotten it from him. The fox then bewitched the man so he lost his way and wandered aimlessly in the forest.
When they found him he said he had eaten some Somen noodles, but looking closely he had only eaten earthworms.

. soba 蕎麦 buckwheat noodle legends .
They are quite similar, about foxes bewitching people.

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- Jizo Bosatsu 地蔵菩薩 - Introduction -

. Pilgrimages to Jizo Bosatsu 地蔵菩薩 - 地蔵霊場 Jizo Reijo .

. Legends about Jizo Bosatsu - 地蔵菩薩 .




. Join the Jizo Bosatsu Gallery - Facebook .



. O-Mamori お守り　Amulets and Talismans .

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC List .


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