Kyoto Adashino Nenbutsu-ji 4 of 4

Memorial service for the nameless deceased

Justin Velgus Oct 25, 2015 - 2 min read

<p>No pictures are allowed in the inner compound</p>

<p>Over time the Buddhist statues have been gathered together. Rain and wind weathering causes the statues to slowly become smaller and have their edges rounded</p>

<p>When I visited, I didn't think so much about the spirits of those that have died, but rather felt a sense of compassion to those that come to pray for the repose of souls</p>

<p>The concept of death is universal. However, being dead is not necessarily the end. Before one is born or after one dies, should they reach Enlightment they may too become a Buddha.  </p>

<p>Every year on August 23 and 24th, candles are lit at every stone Buddhist statue in a "Thousand Lights Memorial Service"</p>

Continued from part 3.

1,200 years ago where Adashino Nenbutsu-ji now stands, the famous priest Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai) opened a Chisan sect Shingon Buddhist temple dedicated to Nyorai.

Much later the high priest Honen changed this to an Amida temple. As time went on over hundreds of years, the area became more and more associated with an open-air burial ground. During the Meiji Period, through the cooperation of local people, a separate prayer room inside the pagoda dedicated to the diety Sakyamuni was constructed.

Children that die young are found in a type of limbo between a peaceful after life and Hell. The goal is to cross a river of souls by bridging the deadly waters with stones. Here is called Sai no Kawara, roughly the "Dry Riverbed of the West".

The popular period poet Saigyō Hōshi remarked, "The only thing that should remain at Adashino should be the dew from the sea clinging to the grass and leaves." (*translator's interpreation). Surely this place has an atmoshpere that transcends human life. It is difficult to explain but can be felt when visiting. For Japan, you come here to repose for the lost souls.

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Find out more about Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple.

Justin Velgus @justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティンベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region. Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...