Yakushi Nyorai

[ . BACK to Daruma Museum TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Yakushi Nyorai 薬師如来 Bhaisajyaguru
the Buddha of Medicine and Healing


- source : Shin Yakushi-Ji 新薬師寺

His ennichi 縁日 "Sacred Day" is the eighth of every month.


- - - - - My Articles about Yakushi Nyorai - - - - -

. Yakushipedia - - ABC-Index - all articles .


. Yakushi Nyorai - Legends from the provinces .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


- - - - - My friend Mark Schumacher has all the details.
Yakushi Nyorai - YAKUSHI TATHĀGATA
Yakushi’s full name is Yakushi-rurikō 薬師瑠璃光,
Lord of the Eastern Paradise of Pure Lapis Lazuli
Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Radiance.
Introducing the features of Yakushi Nyorai, the important statues and temples.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




. Yakushi Nyorai Pilgrimages - Introduction .
Juuni Yakushi meguri 十二薬師巡り Juni Yakushi Meguri
Juuni Yakushi Reijoo Meguri 十二薬師霊場巡り Juni Yakushi Reijo Meguri

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Temple Yakushi-Ji 薬師寺



one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism. Yakushi-ji is one of the sites that are collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main object of veneration, Yakushi Nyorai, also named "The Medicine Buddha", was one of first Buddhist Deities to arrive in Japan from China in 680, and gives the temple its name.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !




. . . CLICK here for Photos !


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Three famous regional Yakushi Temples

Shimane Prefecture, Ichihata Yakushi
島根県 一畑薬師（いちはたやくし）
Ichibata Yakushi. Ichi Hatayama
Yakushi who treats eye diseases.
. . . CLICK here for Photos !


Fukuoka ken, Kurume, 永勝寺 Eisho-Ji
福岡県久留米市 柳坂山 永勝寺 (りゅうばんざん えいしょうじ )
. . . CLICK here for Photos !


. Ehime Prefecture, Yamada Yakushi 愛媛県宇和町 山田薬師 .
now : 小野薬師 Onoyama Yakushi


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. . . . . . H A I K U




夕涼や薬師の見ゆる片小藪
yuusuzu ya Yakushi no miyuru kata koyabu

evening coolness -
the Buddha of Medicine
in a little thicket

Kobayashi Issa
一茶発句全集


..................................................................................................


Statue at temple Toogan-Ji 東岸寺Chiba Prefecture, Kisarazu
with Haiku by Issa


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Matsuo Basho wrote his famous haiku about silence and the cicadas at this temple, where a famous statue of Yakushi Nyorai is venerated, said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi himself.



Yamadera in Yamagata Province and Haiku



Medicine Buddha of Tibet


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


first visit to a Yakushi temple
kigo for the New Year

January 8, on the Monthly Day of Yakushi Nyorai


日溜りに猫のゐ眠る初薬師
hidamari ni neko no inemuru hatsu Yakushi

in a sunny spot
a cat sound asleep -
first Yakushi visit

©　Fuuten Tora


***** Saijiki of Japanese Ceremonies and Festivals


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

observance kigo for mid-spring



Yakushiji eshiki 薬師寺花会式 (やくしじはなえしき)
Ceremony of flowers at temple Yakushi-ji
..... Yakushiji zooka e 薬師寺造華会（やくしじぞうかえ）
artificial flowers from Yakushiji temple
hana eshiki 花会式（はなえしき） "ceremony of flowers"


quote
A ceremony, called Hana-e-shiki, is held in honor of Yakushi every year
from March 30th to April 5th at the Yakushi-Ji temple.
Hana-e-shiki is a Buddhist rite of praying to the Buddha of Medicine for the peace of the country, for good crops, and for happiness and prosperity of the entire nation. This ceremony, called Shuni-e in the olden times, was held in February every year.

In 1107 Emperor Horikawa offered sacred flowers to the Healing Buddha in commemoration of his Consort's complete recovery from an illness. This incident led to the annual event of offering artificial flowers, which is "Hana-e-shiki," or the memorial service of flowers.

Later this offering of flowers was added to the Shuni-e rituals, and the whole ceremony came to be popularly called "Hana-e-shiki." The frontal part of the main hall's altar, where the main object of worship is enshrined, is decorated with 10 kinds of artificial flowers:
plums, peaches, Japanese roses, camellias, rabbit-ear irises, lilies, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, wisterias and peonies.
source : www.uwec.edu. Suzanne Bodoh


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

plant kigo for early autumn




Yakushisoo, yakushi soo 薬師草（やくしそう）
"Yakushi plant"
..... otogirisoo 弟切草 (おとぎりそう)
"killing the younger brother - plant"
Youngia denticulata

It grows on sunny slopes in high mountains.
A famous falconer of the Heian period, Haruyori 晴頼, used it to heal the wounds of his animals. It helps with bleeding wounds. It was a secret of his family and not to be leaked outside. But his younger brother tried to sell the secret for a bit of money. His angry brother killed him on the spot,when he learned about this.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


temple in summer -
the power of healing
in prayer and stone

Yakushi Nyorai no tsubo 　薬師如来の壺 medicine jar


medicine jar 薬壺のお守り


source :　http://blog.livedoor.jp/katayamazu
from temple 愛染寺, Aizen-Ji 片山津 Niigata




source :　www.araiyakushi.or.jp
from temple Arai Yakushi 新井薬師 Baisho-In, Tokyo
東京都中野区新井5-3-5




source : www9.plala.or.jp/yumedono
Nagano, 長野県上田市下之郷５４１ - Choofukuji　長福寺　Chofuku-Ji Yumedono

- - - - -


source :　item.rakuten.co.jp/hachimitu
to carry with you, wood carving


. Health Amulets 健康御守 kenkoo omamori .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

. Ehime   - temples with a Yakushi Nyorai

Kanjizaiji 「観自在寺」
http://www.kanjizaiji.com/

Jooruriji 「浄瑠璃寺」
http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/ehime/46joruriji/index.html

Hantaji 「繁多寺」
http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/ehime/50hantaji/index.html

Ishiteji 「石手寺」
http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/ehime/51ishiteji/index.html
. Ishiteji 石手寺 Ishite-Ji . and Fudo Myo-O

Kokubunji 「国分寺」
http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/ehime/59kokubunji/index.html

Zenpukuji 善福寺 Zenpuku-Ji
愛媛県今治市伯方町北浦甲1986-2 Imabara


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



. Sukunahikona no mikoto 少彦名命 Sukuna Hikona, Sukuna-Hikona .


Another Deity to protect the medicine is Shinno Sama and the Japanese Hikona.


Hikona　小彦名



Shinno shi 神農氏

These two deities are especially venerated in the district of Doshoo-Machi, where many pharmaceutical companies have their seat. During the annual Shrine Festival, people pray for good health.
http://www.kusuri-doshomachi.gr.jp/sinno/sinno.html


November 22 to 23 is the Shinno Festival
Sukunahikona Shrine (Chuo-ku, Osaka City).
小彦名神社
Sukunahikona Shrine enshrines a guardian god of Dosho-machi, Osaka's medicine town. During the Shinno Festival, people buy bamboo branches to celebrate the Buddha of Medicine.

Another item sold in honor of Shinno Sama as a token for good health is a small tiger made of papermachee.



「神農（じんのう）さん」と呼ばれているのは、道修町（どしょうまち）の小彦名（すくなひこな）神社のことで、ここに神農氏が共に祀られています。１０センチ程の首振り式のこの張り子の虎は、１１月２２、２３日の「神農祭り」に授与されます。
神農氏とは、中国の医薬神で、農耕を教え、薬草の効果を身をもって試み、医薬の道を説いた神さまです。
道修町は、薬品会社・薬品問屋の街です。神農さんの虎は神社の授与品と、この薬品問屋から配られるものの２種類があります。神社からだされるものは、虎の腹部に神農社の紋の「薬」の朱印が押されています。
江戸時代末期にコレラが流行しました。この時、「虎頭殺鬼雄黄丹」という丸薬の虎にちなんだ、張り子の虎を、小彦名神社に供えて病除祈願をし、それを配ったのが始まりとされています。
また、この製作者の所では、この虎の他に「節供飾りの虎」が作られています。全長５７センチのものから１１センチまで、８種類作られています。
大阪張り子は、かなり古くから作られていたようですが、大正から昭和の初期にセルロイドやブリキの玩具に押されて、作っていた家のほとんどが転廃業してしまい、現存の制作者は２人となってしまいました.
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~SA9S-HND/agal-958-1.html


Shinnoosai Shinnoo Festival 神農祭

神農祭は、毎年11月22～23日の2日間にわたり盛大に斎行（さいこう）されています。薬種商が店先に祭提灯や祝幕、金屏風を飾った戦前と、商店が会社に発展した戦後とでは、祭は大きく様変わりしましたが、薬業界の祭に寄せる心は変わることはありません。時代とともに年々参拝者が増加、今日では2日間で約5万人の参拝者で賑わい、“町の祭り”から“大阪の年中行事”の祭りに発展しました。神農祭が盛大であるため、当社の通称も“少彦名神社”より“道修町の神農さん”と称されています。また、昔から。大阪の一年の祭りは戎祭りで始まり当社の神農祭で終わるため、「とめの祭り」ともいわれ、薬業界の守護神として、人々の病除けの神として親しまれています。


More photos from the festival
安永9年(1780)10月。京都・五條天神宮から少彦名命をお迎えし、以前から祀っていた神農氏と共にお祀して、2000年にはご鎮座220年を迎えました。
大阪市中央区道修町2丁目1番8号
http://www.kusuri-doshomachi.gr.jp/event/sinnosai.html



. Tora トラ　- 虎　- 寅　Tiger Toys .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Doshomachi Pharmaceutical & Historical Museum

Located on the grounds of Sukunahikona Shrine, where the god of medicine is enshrined, this museum shows how the entire Doshomachi district has developed along with the pharmaceutical industry for nearly 350 years. The exhibits include old documents such as address lists of medicine traders. Here, the development of the pharmaceutical industry and the history of Doshomachi, a pharmaceutical district, are laid out.
This facility is located on the grounds of Sukunahikona Shrine.
http://www.kanko-osaka.or.jp/eng/sight/sight.cgi?id=00195&func=course&cls0=false&cls1=5&cls2=1

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Mahayana Buddhist Healing Rituals .
Ji Hyang Padma
Core Faculty at California Institute for Human Science

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Yakushi Rurikoo Nyorai 薬師瑠璃光如来 Ruriko Yakushi .
- - - - - Ruriji 瑠璃寺 temples names Ruri-Ji
- - - - - Rurikooji 瑠璃光寺 temples names Ruriko-Ji - Rurikō-ji 　
- - - - - Rurizan （るりざん） 瑠璃山 Ruriyama


Yakushi Nyorai, Yakushi Rurikoo Nyorai
(Bhaishajya-guru)

"Buddha der Medizin und Heilung", daher auch "Großer Buddha der Medizin" genannt.
Lebt im Reinen Land des Lapislazuli-Lichtes (rurikoo) des Ostens.
Erscheint nicht in den Mandalas der beiden Welten des esoterischen Buddhismus, ist aber wahrscheinlich dort identisch mit Ashuku Nyorai.

In Japan seit dem Ende des 7. Jhd. besonders populär, da er in dieser Welt seine göttliche Gnade gewährt. Er legte 12 Gelübde ab, um den Menschen Wohlergehen in dieser Welt zu spenden. Das 7. Gelübde bezieht sich ausdrücklich darauf, die Menschen von körperlichen Gebrechen zu befreien und ihre geistige Verwirrung zu vertreiben.
Später im Rahmen der Verbreitung der Zen-Sekte durch Shaka Nyorai abgelöst.

Er entspricht dem Gewährungs-Körper (hoojin). Die Erde gewährt uns durch Pflanzen und Tiere eine Grundlage zum Leben, die Nahrungsmittel sind für uns wie Medizin, daher auch als eine direkte Verkörperung, als "Yakushi Nyorai" zu denken.

Die älteste (um 680), schönste, bekannteste Bronzestatue findet sich im Tempel Yakushiji in Nara. Spätere Statuen wurden häufig von Adeligen gestiftet, um eigene Krankheiten zu heilen oder um Seuchen zu vertreiben. Besonders wirksam für Augenkrankheiten.
Seit der Nara-Zeit in Kombination mit den 12 Himmlischen Generalen (z.B. Tempel Shin Yakushiji, Nara).


. . . . . . . . . . Ikonografie:

Oft mit sieben kleinen Verkörperungen im Nimbus.
Hat 12 Gelübde abgelegt, mit entsprechenden Gesten.
Oft die Geste Fürchtet Euch nicht! und Wunschgewährung.
Statuen des tibetanischen Lamaismus (seit dem 11. Jhd.) zeigen oft den Yakushi mit einem Medizintopf in der linken Hand und die rechte in der Geste beim Abpflücken von Heilkräutern. Ähnliche Statuen finden sich im esoterischen Buddhismus Japans.

Seit der Heian-Zeit auch Medizintopf oder eine Frucht in der linken Hand, die rechte erhoben. Der Medizintopf kann auch über den in Meditationshaltung gefalteten Händen gelagert sein. Statuen mit dem Medizintopf sind seit der späten T'ang-Zeit bekannt. Ohne den Medizintopf ähneln die Statuen einem Shaka oder Amida Nyorai.

In der Tendai-Sekte gibt es eine Form der Verehrung des Yakushi in seinen sieben Inkarnationen (Shichibutsu Yakushihoo). Dabei bitten die Gläubigen vor allen Dingen um Heilung von Krankheiten und um eine leichte Geburt.

Wenn alle Finger der Hand ausgestreckt sind, ist der Ringfinger etwas nach vorne gestreckt. Bei Statuen des Amida Nyorai ist es der Mittelfinger. Da zunächst mehr Statuen des Amida Nyorai gefertigt wurden, sich aber später der Glaube an den Yakushi mehr verbreitete, wurde einigen Amida-Figuren einfach der Mittel~finger abgesägt, durch einen gestreckten Finger ersetzt und der Ringfinger durch einen nach vorne gebogenen ausgetauscht. Im Japanischen heißt der Ringfinger übrigens der "Medizin-Finger" (kusuri yubi).

Eine sehr seltene Handhaltung des Yakushi ist die einer Kichijooten (chikichijooin). Dabei ist die rechte zur Brust erhoben, Hand~fläche nach vorne und die linke vor der Brust mit der Handfläche nach oben gehalten.


. . . . . . . . . . Besondere Statuen:

Yakushi-Dreiergruppe (Yakushi sanzon)
Mit Nikkoo Bosatsu rechts und Gakkoo Bosatsu links.
Spendet unermüdlich Tag und Nacht Medizin, daher mit dem Bosatsu von Sonne (Nikkoo) und Mond (Gakkoo) zusammen. Meist von den 12 Himmlischen Generalen als Gefolge umgeben, die ebenfalls uner~müdlich in allen Himmelsrichtungen und zu allen Tageszeiten als Schutzgottheiten aktiv sind. Man kann diese Gruppe auch als ein Symbol der Überwindung von Raum und Zeit interpretieren.
Häufig in einer besonderen Halle (Yakushidoo) untergebracht. Dabei werden Yakushi sitzend und die beiden Bosatsu ihm zugewendet und stehend dargestellt.

Manchmal als Begleitfiguren auch Yakuoo Bosatsu und Yakujoo Bosatsu. Dies sind zwei legendäre indische Brüder. Sie waren sehr reich und gaben Medizin an alle Leute ab, um ihre eigene Erlösung zu fördern. Daher erscheint in ihrem Namen auch das chinesische Zeichen für Medizin, "YAKU". Manchmal erscheinen sie auch als Begleitfiguren von Shaka Nyorai.




Sieben Yakushi-Statuen (Shichibutsu Yakushi
七仏薬師)
Eine große und sechs kleine einzelne Statuen des Yakushi Nyorai mit jeweils sieben kleinen Verkörperungen im Nimbus. Entsprechend dem Sutra der sieben Yakushi-Buddhas (Shichibutsu Yakushikyoo).
Diese Stauten werden bei Fürbitten für die Heilung von Krankheiten und um einfache Geburt besonders angebetet.
Diese sieben Figuren haben dann als Inkarnationen des Yakushi eigene Bezeichnungen (nach Tanaka (1):

Zenmyooshoo Kichijoooo Nyorai
Hoogetsu Chigonkoo Onjizaioo Nyorai
Konjiki Hookoo Myoogyoojooju Nyorai
Muyuu Saishoo Kichijoo Nyorai
Hookai Raion Nyorai
Hookai Shooe Yuugijintsuu Nyorai
Yakushi Rurikoo Nyorai.

© Gabi Greve
Buddhastatuen (Buddha statues) Who is Who
Ein Wegweiser zur Ikonografie von japanischen Buddhastatuen


. Shichibutsu Yakushi　七仏薬師 Seven Yakushi Statues .
- Introduction


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Join the friends on facebook !



. Yakushi Nyorai - Legends from the provinces .

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Kankiten (Ganesh)

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO　　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Kankiten (Kangiten　歓喜天, also
Shooten　聖天;
Vinaayaka, Nandikeshvara, Ganesh)


kigo for the New Year

Hatsu Shooten 初聖天 (はつしょうてん)
First Ceremony for Shoten






:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity of Hinduism, is the son of Shiva and Paarvati. He is the brother of Idaten.
He moves freely in the 3000 realms and is lord of 9800 demons.

The Japanese name "Daishoo Kangiten" is the pronounciation of the "Ganabachi" (Ganesh).

He belongs to the group of TEN deities (tenbu　天部) in Japanese Buddhism.

In esoteric Buddhism this deity is often shown as two human-like figures with an elephant head, embracing each other. As such, they are venerated with prayers for good marriage and children. The male deity is thought of as the oldes son of Daijizaiten 大自在天, the "great wild god" Daiboojin 大暴神).

To calm this wild god, the female is an incarnation of the eleven-headed Kannon Bosatsu, who converted this wild god to Buddhism. She is capable of intensive meditation (kanjin) and thus calms his wildness. So the name of these two is "Deity of Joy" (Kankiten, Kangiten).

The statues of these embracing deities are usually not shown to the public, because of the sexual implication. Thye are kept in separate shrines behind closed doors, the so-called Secret Statues (hibutsu 秘仏).

There are more than 250 temples in Japan, where Ganesh is venerated.
In Kamakura at the temple Hookaij-Ji 宝戒寺 is a Kangiten Hall where you find the oldest statue of a Kankiten in Japan. He is said to be especially powerful and therefore kept locked in a tabernakel since 1333. This is located in a separate hall for the deity.

In special exorcistic rituals of these deities the statues are usually poored over with oil, mostly hot oil.

Kankiten statues are also venerated from people in the restaurant business.

... ... ... Iconography

Body of a human being with an elephant head. Dressed like figures of a bosatsu. Sometime holding weapons, more often a large raddish (daikon大根) with two roots.

The elephant head of the male (nanten　男天) is placed on the right shoulder of the female (nyoten 女天), the head of the woman placed on the read shoulder of the male. So we can only see the back of the statues. The female wears jewelery on the head. Their feet are opposite each other, the female stepping on the toes of the male. Their hands are at the hips of each other.

In Mongolian statues, Ganesh is often depicted with a flame-halo.
Indian statues of Ganesh depict him standing on a rat.

Gabi Greve


Read about my encounter with the Kanki-Ten in Kamakura


Ganesh The elelphant-headed god in the India Saijiki

... ... ... ... ...



You can get this statue online here:
http://store.yahoo.co.jp/kurita/bdf4c5b7bfc0a4cec9f4-b4bfb4eec5b7.html
(C) Kurita Trading CO.,LTD 栗田貿易有限会社

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



At Miyajima, Japan

They are unusual because the statues represent Hindu gods, something generally not seen in Japan.

Ganesh Worship in Japan by Satish Purohit includes:
http://www.hindustoday.com/ganesh_worship_in_japan.htm

Scholars commonly date the presence of Ganesha in Japan with the age of Kukai (774- 834), the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. The centrality of the worship of Ganesha or Vinayaka or Kangiten, as he is popularly called in Japan, is a distinguishing feature of this cult. The doctrines, rituals and beliefs of the sect have a number of parallels with the cult of Ganpatyas, to which belonged saints like Gajanan Maharaj of Shegao, Maharashtra.

Ganesha’s most popular form in Japan is the dual-Vinayaka or the Embracing Kangi. Two tall figures, elephant headed but human bodied, male and female, stand in embrace. The female wears a jeweled crown, a patched monks robe and a red surplice.

He appears in the Ryoukai mandara 両界 曼荼羅 as an elephant-headed deity called Binayakaten 毘那夜迦天. In China and Japan he came to be revered under the the name of Kangiten. Although in texts, two, four and six-armed forms are mentioned, in Japan Kangiten is usually shown as a pair of two-armed, elephant-headed deities in embrace. Images of Kangiten are rare and many are kept as secret images in temples and shrines. Many are small, and made of metal because his ritual involves pouring oil over the images. The ritual associated with Kangiten was secret and was part of other ritual observances, such as the goshichinichi no mishuhou 後七日の御修法 . In popular worship he signifies conjugal harmony and long life.

There is an iconographic drawing of Kangiten in Touji 東寺, Kyoto, by Chinkai 珍海 (1091-1152).
Copyright © 2004 Craig D. Rice, Ameeta Sony, and the UniYatra Group
http://www.uniyatra.com/uniyatra_blog/2005/08/hindu-symbolism-in-miyajima.html

... ... ...

Lord Ganesha: The mystery of His marital status
BY SATISH PUROHIT

A very long collection of many interresting episodes around Ganesh.
The most detailed you will find on the WWW.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


The Shooten Hall at Ashigara Pass
足柄峠の聖天堂



本尊の聖天尊(大聖歓喜双身天､浅草聖天･生駒聖天と並ぶ日本3大聖天尊の1つ)は秘仏.
聖天尊｡言うまでもなく男女和合の象頭仏で､一般に大自在天の長男である大暴神(男天)と十一面観音の化身(女天)の和合像､といいます｡また､この聖天を祀る聖天堂は弘仁2年(811年)の建立とされていますが､例大祭である4月20日には､かなり最近まで青空賭博も開かれていたようです｡
http://nunato.orz.ne.jp/ashigara1.htm

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


The Temple Yakuri-ji, Nr. 85 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage 　
四国85番の八栗寺

One attraction of this temple is Kanki-ten, a Buddhist guardian divinity enshrined in Shooten-doo Hall. Kanki-ten, meaning "gods in ecstasy", is actually an elephant-headed god and goddess in an inseparable embrace, a motif of Ganesh of Hindu iconography adopted along with Buddhism. They are believed to share their pleasure with their worshippers, also bringing them marital happiness, family well-being and success in business. They attaract many people when the fire ceremony is performed on the 1st and the 16th of every month, even though they are open to the public only once every 50 years.

Yakuri Temple, by Gabi Greve


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Ganesh standing on a rat
source : www.exoticindia.com

Kankiten (Kangiten, auch Shooten; Vinaayaka, Nandikeshvara, Ganesh) Sohn des Shiva und der Paarvati: der elefantenköpfige Ganesh. Bruder des Idaten. Shooten bewegt sich frei in 3000 Welten, regiert über 9800 Dämonen und hat besonders große Macht. Abkürzung für "Daishoo Kangiten", vom Laut her "Ganabachi" (Ganesh) im Japanischen. Schutzgottheit der Magie und der Gelehrsamkeit. Im esoterischen Buddhismus zwei Menschenfiguren (Mann und Frau) mit Elefantenköpfen, in harmonischer Umarmung, als Gottheit für Kindersegen und Ehefrieden verehrt. Der männliche Gott ist dabei der älteste Sohn des Daijizaiten, der "große, wilde Gott" (Daiboojin). Um ihn zu beschwichtigen, ist der weibliche Gott eine Inkarnation der Elfköpfigen Kannon, um den wilden Gott zum Buddhismus zu bekehren. Durch ihre Fähigkeit zur intensiven Meditation (kanjin) beruhigt sie die Wildheit, daher auch der Name "Freuden-Gott" (Kankiten). Diese Figuren in gegenseitiger Umarmung werden im allgemeinen wegen ihrer sexuellen Anspielung nicht der Öffentlichkeit gezeigt und bleiben hinter verschlossenen Schreintüren, als sogenannte "Geheime Statuen" (hibutsu). Der Shooten des Tempels Hookaiji in Kamakura, die älteste Kankiten-Statue Japans, ist besonders mächtig und seine Statue ist seit 1333 in einem Tabernakel verschlossen. Im Kult werden kleine Metallstatuen mit Öl übergossen, bei exorzistischen Riten sogar mit heißem Öl. Häufig im Restaurationsgewerbe verehrt. ..... Ikonografie: Menschenkörper mit einem Elefantenkopf. Gekleidet wie Bosatsu~figuren. Mit Waffen oder einem großen, gegabelten Rettich in der Hand. Bei zwei Figuren liegt der Elefantenkopf des Mannes (Nanten) auf der rechten Schulter der Frau (Nyoten); der Kopf der Frau auf der rechten Schulter des Mannes. Von beiden sieht man nur den Rücken. Die Frau trägt Schmuck um den Kopf. Die Füße stehen sich gegenüber, die Frau tritt auf die Zehen des Mannes. Die Hände liegen jeweils an den Hüften des Partners. In mongolischen Darstellungen hat Ganesh oft einen Flammen-Nimbus. Quoted from : Gabi Greve : Buddhastatuen – Who is Who

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Read Mark Schumacher about the Tenbu Group

Japanese Links

歓喜天


Statue
http://www.rmt.jp/butu/stu169-1.htm

http://shinokiri.blogzine.jp/kirikiryu/2005/03/post_2.html

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


土産に買ふめをとまんじゆう初聖天
miyage ni kau meoto manjuu hatsu shooten

as a souvenir I buy
rice cakes for a good couple -
first Shoten ceremony

Sekido Takahiro 関戸高敬



meoto manjuu 夫婦饅頭 rice cakes for a good couple




:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

歓喜寺 Kanki-Ji (Kangi-Ji) -佐渡市 Sado - Niigata
. Sake Legends and Buddhist Temples　酒とお寺 .


. Meoto Daruma 夫婦だるま good couples and Daruma 　


Alphabetical Index of the Daruma Museum


INDIA Saijiki - Ganesh, Ganapathy [Vighneswara]


. WKD : New Year Ceremonies

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Dragon Lore

nnnnnnnnnnnn TOP nnnnnnnnnnnnn

Dragon Lore, Naga Raja, Ryuu-Oo　竜王

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The dragon shares the cosmic stage with the serpent.
According to a legend, when the Chinese monster Kung Kung battled with the emperor Yao and tore a hole in the sky, it was a dragon who replaced the cavity, causing daylight when it opened its eyes and night with their closure. When this great sky dragon inhaled, it brought forth summer, and by exhalation, winter.



Read more about jewelery and ancient symbols
© Nitin Kumar, Exotic India
http://www.exoticindia.com/article/symbolicjewelry/2/

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Read Mark Schumacher about the Dragon

Excerpt from "Myths and Legends of Japan"
by F. Hadland Davis

The Dragon is undoubtedly the most famous of mythical beasts, but, though Chinese in origin, it has become intimately associated with Japanese mythology. The creature lives for the most part in the ocean, river, or lake, but it has the power of flight and rules over clouds and tempests. The Dragon of China and Japan resemble each other, with the exception that the Japanese Dragon has three claws, while that of the Celestial Kingdom (China) has five.

The Chinese Emperor Yao was said to be the son of a dragon, and many rulers of that country were metaphorically referred to as "dragon-faced."
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/dragon.shtml

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Back to the Daruma Museum
http://darumasan.blogspot.com/

Godai and Mishiho

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

The Five Great Elements of the Universe
godai ... 地水火風空の五大

The theory about the five elements which comprize the universe is already stated in old Chinese texte, see an extensive report about the Five Elements in China the Wikipedia.

In a traditional Japanese grave stone, these five elements are represented as
gorin, the five layers, in the following order:

the earth layer (chirin　地輪), a square
the water layer (suirin 水輪), a spherical shape
the fire layer (karin 水輪), a triangular shape
the wind layer (fuurin 風輪, a half-moon shape
the space layer (kuurin 風輪), gem-shaped

Note that in Buddhism, the METAL layer is replaced by 空, the space.





Read Mark Schumacher about the
Five Elements of a Grave Pagoda .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The Five Great Buddhas of Wisdom Godai Nyorai 五大如来

Especially important to the Shingon Sect of Esoteric Buddhsim, these five Tathagata are eminations of the absolute Buddha. They appear frequently on the Japanese Mandala. They embody five fundamental wisdoms -- wisdom against anger, envy, desire, ignorance, and pride -- to help us break free from the cycle of death and rebirth, or the Six States of Existence　(i.e., the cycle of suffering, Sanskrit = samsara).
Each of the five has a specific Mudra　(hand gesture) that corresponds to one of five defining episodes in the life of the Historical Buddha.
Each of the five is also associated with a direction (north, south, east, west, center/zenith).


Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana or Mahavairocana)
..... Center (Zenith)
Fukujoju Nyorai (Amoghasiddhi) North
Hosho Nyorai (Ratnasambhava) South
Ashuku Nyorai (Akshobhya) East
Amida (Amitabha) West

Read more from Mark Schumacher:
5 Tathagata


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::




. Godai Myo-O 五大明王 Five Great Myo-O
Godai-son 五大尊　Five Great Wisdom Kings .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


The Great Ritual for the
Wellbeing of the Imperial House
Go-shichinichi mishiho 後七日御修法（ごしちにちのみしほ）

In 834 (Joowa 1), Kuukai received imperial permission to perform the yearly "latter seven-day ritual" (goshichinichi no mishiho), held from the eighth to the fourteenth of the first month at the court, later at the temple Tooji in Kyoto. In this ritual too, the five great Wisdom Kings where in the center of the rituals. The statues used at To-Ji are said to be the oldest ones of this kind in Japan, made by order of Kuukai (Kooboo Daishi).
Before the Meiji Restauration, this ceremony had taken place at the Imperial Palace.


Here is a quote from the Tokyo National Museum:
The Twelve Devas in the Kyoto National Museum were formerly owned by Tô-ji (Kyôôgokoku-ji) Temple in Kyoto. Beginning in the Heian period, they were used together with the paintings of the Five Great Myôô (J. Godaison), which are still part of the temple collection.

The event in which they appeared was an esoteric New Year's rite held inside the Shingon-in, a chapel within the imperial palace. In this important annual ceremony, called the
"Latter Seven Day's Rite" (J. Goshichinichi no mishiho),
which was carried out under the supervision of successive generations of senior Tô-ji abbots, prayers were given for the tranquility of the emperor, the protection of the nation, and bountiful harvests.

Although it is said that the rite was begun by Kûkai (774-835, posthumously known as Kôbô Daishi), patriarch of Japan's esoteric Shingon sect, it was not actually established until after his death. During the ritual, large paintings of the Mandalas of the Two Worlds (J. Ryôkai mandara) hung in the hall of Shingon-in, graced on both sides by the Five Great Myôô and the Twelve Devas. These images were copied many times over.
http://www.emuseum.jp/cgi/pkihon.cgi?SyoID=1&ID=w015&SubID=s000


observance kigo for the New Year
Shigonin no mishiho 真言院の御修法 Mishiho ritual at Shingon-In
From January 8 to 14.
At the temple Shingon-In of the Imperial Court.

.................................................................................


observance kigo for the late spring
Enryaku-Ji mishiho 延暦寺御修法 Mishiho ritual at temple Enryaku-Ji
From April 4 to 11.



. Enryakuji 延暦寺 Temple Enryaku-ji) .
Tendai Sect Main Temple, Shiga


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

These five are the terrible threatening incarnations of the Nyorai Buddhas. They dissolve the bad influences in all the directions. A previous version of this power are the

Five Bosatsu of Great Power (godairiki Bosatsu五大力菩薩)
五大菩薩

五大力菩薩は、千宝相輪を持った金剛吼、金剛灯を持つ竜王吼、金剛杵を持つ無畏十力吼、 千宝羅網を持つ雷電吼・五千剣輪を持つ無量力吼の恐ろしい忿怒（ふんぬ）の 形相すさまじい五菩薩の総称です。中国で訳された『仁王般若波羅蜜経』によりますと、 三宝（仏・法・僧）を護持する国王に対して、自ら赴いてその国を守護する仏であると 説かれています。
そのため、奈良時代から五大力菩薩を本尊として鎮護国家・万民豊楽を祈る 「仁王会（にんのうえ）」が盛んに行われました。

Reference
http://www.koyasan.or.jp/reihokan/know/bodhi/godai/g_001.htm

Five bodhisattvas enumerated in the Benevolent Kings Sutra. According to Kumarajiva's Chinese translation, they are Diamond Roar, Dragon King's Roar, Roar of Fearlessness and Ten Powers, Thunderbolt Roar, and Infinitely Powerful Roar.
Pu-k'ung's Chinese translation lists them as Diamond Hand, Diamond Treasure, Diamond Benefit, Diamond Yaksha, and Diamond Paramita. According to the sutra, if a ruler embraces the three treasures of Buddhism, namely, the Buddha, his teachings, and the Order-the community of believers who protect and transmit the Buddha's teachings-these five powerful bodhisattvas will protect him and the people of his country.
http://www.sgi-usa.org/buddhism/library/sgdb/lexicon.cgi?tid=534

They are also called the Five Bosatsu of the Five Directions (gohoo bosatsu　五方菩薩) or
the Five Powerfull Roars (godairiki ku　五大力吼).
Later the five Myo-O replaced this group.

五大力吼（ごだいりきく）、五方（ごほう）菩薩ともいい、鎮護国家を祈って修せられた仁王会の本尊で、５０００の大鬼神の王とされています。
「五大力さん」として名高い醍醐寺の仁王会は、毎年２月２３日に修され、参拝者には五大力菩薩のお札が授与され、盗難除けや災難身代わりの護符 gofu として祀られます。


金剛吼 ... 千宝相の輪 ... Kongoo Ku
竜王吼 ... 金輪灯 ... Ryuu-oo Ku
無畏十力吼 ... 金剛杵 ... Mui Juuriki Ku
雷電吼 ... 千宝の羅網 ... Raiden Ku
無量力吼 ... ５０００の剣輪 ... Muyrooriki Ku

五大力菩薩



Before distribution 23rd of February, amulets called "Godairiki Mie" are substantiated through the prayer by Buddhist priest for a week at the Dodaido-hall in the Kami-Daigo area.
http://www.daigoji.or.jp/e/event/godairiki1.html


. Fudo Myo-O Gofu　不動明王の護符 talisman .

.. .. .. .. ..

In another esoteric translation, they are called:

Center : Kongoo Haramitta 金剛波羅蜜多
East : Kongooju 金剛手
West : Kongoori 金剛利
South : Kongoohoo 金剛宝
North : Kongoo Yasha 金剛薬叉

Kongoo Haramitta is expecially evoked when the country is in trouble from enemies, earthquakes or other natural catastrophies.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Five Secret Bosatsu, Go Himitsu Bosatsu 五秘密菩薩曼荼羅
Mandala of the Five Secret Bosatsu



五秘密菩薩　　　　　　　
先想月輪然觀形色。次説五祕密。金剛薩た。坐白蓮臺。　　
端嚴而處。形貌如前所成身法當住大印金剛箭。　　　　　　　
赤色居於前而持弓矢。金剛喜悦。白色在右。　　　　　　　
袍三昧耶體。金剛愛。諸事並青。　　　　　　　
處後持摩竭幢。金剛欲自在。色黄居左。

Kongoo Satta ... Skincolor 金剛薩垂
Mankongoo ... Yellow ... 慢金剛
Shokukongoo ... White ... 燈金剛
Yokukongoo ... Red ... 欲金剛
Aikongoo ... Green　... 愛金剛

http://www.sakai.zaq.ne.jp/piicats/keiai.htm

They represent the four carnal lusts of humankind:

man (maana) = arrogant behaviour
shoku (sparsa) = clinging to material things
yoku (kaama) = longing for things
ai (trsna) = sexual lust

Kongoo Satta (the Diamond Being), also called Vajrasattva, is the second of the eight patriarchs of the Shingon sect. He is also called "Diamond Hand" (Kongoo shu bosatsu金剛手菩薩) or "Keeper of the Secret" (himitsu shu 秘密手). He is an incarnation of Fugen Bosatsu.
He is the only male bosatsu in this group of five.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Godairiki-San 五大力さん .
At temple Daigo-Ji 醍醐寺, Kyoto.

Festival on February 23.

.Godairiki - Festival on February 23. .
and
--- A famous Kabuki play
Godairiki Koi no Fujime 五大力恋絨 (ごだいりきこいのふうじめ)
Five Great Powers That Secure Love
Godairiki koi no fûji


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


　- - Miyamoto Musashi　宮本武蔵

In 1640 Musashi accepted service with the Hosokawa clan, and three years later, in Higo Province, began work on his great book, Gorin no shô (The Book of Five Rings).
He finished this influential work on swordsmanship in May 1645 - the same year he died.
http://www.samurai-archives.com/musashi.html

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Fünf Bosatsu Gewaltiger Kraft (Godairiki Bosatsu)
Figuren des esoterischen Buddhismus.

Auch "Bosatsu der fünf Richtungen" (Gohoo Bosatsu) oder "Fünf gewaltige Ausrufe" (Godairiki Ku) genannt.
Sutra: Prajnaapaaramitaasuutra (Ninnoogyoo).
Zunächst Statuen mit mildem, später mit furchterregendem Gesichtsausdruck. Dann möglicherweise durch fünf Myo-O-Statuen ersetzt.
Sie beschützen in Japan die drei heiligen Staatsschätze. Bei der Zeremonie Ninnoo-e im Tempel Daigoji sind sie der Hauptgegenstand der Verehrung.

In der Edo-Zeit schrieben Frauen auf das Siegel von Briefen und Paketen "Godairiki", um den Inhalt vor den Augen Unbefugter und vor Diebstahl zu schützen.
Der Ausruf "Godairiki" soll vor allerlei Unheil schützen; er wurde daher auf Tabaksbeutel geschrieben, in Haarnadeln, Pfeifenhälse und kleine Schwerter eingeritzt und auf die Rückseite von Shamisen-Instrumenten geschrieben. Diese Gegenstände waren besonders auf Reisen sehr beliebt, da sie die sichere Rückkehr zur Ehefrau versprachen.

Ikonografie:
Eine große sitzende Statue auf einem Lotussockel, umgeben von vier stehenden Statuen mit einem Schritt-Sockel unter jedem Fuß. Alle mit nach oben abstehenden Haaren, ähnlich wie Fudoo Myoooo. Alle mit zwei Armen und drei Augen. Flammender Nimbus um Kopf und Körper.
Bei Bildern entweder alle fünf auf einem Bild oder fünf einzelne Bilder als Einheit.

Namen nach der klassischen Übersetzung:
Kongooku, Ryuuooku, Mui Juurikiku, Raidenku, Muryoorikiku.

Namen nach der esoterischen Übersetzung,
mit entsprechenden Nyorai, Bosatsu und Myoooo:

Zentrum: Kongoo Haramitta (Dainichi Nyorai, Tenhoorin Bosatsu, Fudoo Myoooo)
Osten: Kongooju (Ashuku Nyorai, Fugen Bosatsu, Goosanze Myoooo)
Westen: Kongoori (Amida Nyorai, Monju Bosatsu, Daiitoku Myoooo)
Süden: Kongooho (Hooju Nyorai, Kokuuzoo Bosatsu, Gundari Myoooo)
Norden: Kongoo Yasha (Fukuu Jooju Nyorai, Saiissaima Bosatsu, Kongoo Yasha Myoooo)«IP»
Kongoo Haramitta Bosatsu soll das Land retten, wenn es sich durch Aufruhr, Erdbeben oder andere Naturkatastrophen in Not befindet.

.................................................................................


Fünf esoterische Bosatsu (Gohimitsu Bosatsu)
五秘密菩薩



Auch Mandala der Fünf Geheimnisvollen (Gohimitsu Mandara) genannt.
The boddhisattva of the five secrets
Figuren des esoterischen Buddhismus der Shingon-Sekte (Toomitsu).
Einheit mit einer großen sitzenden Bosatsu-Statue und vier kleine, sitzende Statuen im Hintergrund; Körper in fünf verschiedenen Farben.

Zentrale sitzende Statue: Kleine Statuen:
Kongô Satta (hautfarben)
Mankongoo (gelb)
Shokukongoo (weiß)
Yokukongoo (rot)
Aikongoo (grün)

Stellen die vier fleischlischen Gelüste der Menschen dar:
man (mâna) = Arroganz
shoku (sparsa) = Verhaftung
yoku (kâma) = Begierden
ai (trsna) = sexuelle Gelüste


.Buddhastatuen ... Who is Who 　　

Ein Wegweiser zur Ikonografie
von japanischen Buddhastatuen
Gabi Greve, 1994


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

O-Take Nyorai

[ . BACK to TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

.. .. .. .. .. .. O-Take Nyorai お竹如来
於竹大日如来

This haiku by Issa started my search.




雀子やお竹如来の流し元
一茶
suzumego ya otake nyorai no nagashimoto

baby sparrow
is O-Take Buddha
at the sink


Comment
R.H. Blyth explains that "O-Take Buddha" refers to a servant who was legendary for being frugal, never throwing away a single grain of rice. The baby sparrow at the sink is eating crumbs, much like its namesake.

Sakuo Nakamura/David Lanoue
http://sakuo3903.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_sakuo3903_archive.html
http://blog.livedoor.jp/sakuo3903/archives/22291266.html

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



©　kaibutsu


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

O-Take was a servant of the Sakuma family, in the later half of the 17th century in Otenma-Cho in Edo. Her favorite word was "Mottainai" "How wasteful". She never wasted a grain of rice or a stem of a vegetable.

One day, a group of mountain ascetics from Yamagata came visiting this home. They had had a revelation telling them to look for a Nyorai Buddha here in Otenma-Cho in Edo, at the home of the Sakuma family. When they asked for the Buddha, the owner of the Sakuma home cound not understand. When the mountain ascetics walked around the house, they saw a servant picking up grains and saw a light like the halo of a buddha from her waist upward. Now they knew they had found their Nyorai incarnation.

O-Take died on May 19 in 1680 and was burried in Asakusa at the temple Zentoku-Ji 善徳寺.
延宝８年5月19日


On the red flag behind this stone Buddha you can read:
For good luck and fortune : O-Take Nyorai

The anniversary of the death of O-Take is on May 19. Every year on the first sunday after that day, there is a ceremony in her honor. The story of O-Take became quite famous during the end of the Edo period and fascinated the people. It was often told during lecture performances, subject of woodblock prints and even made into a Kabuki play.


「開運招福　お竹如来」
© Temple Zentoku-Ji 善徳寺




O-Take gave her own food to the cats and sparrows of the home. She lived off the grains of rice saved in a net of the sink. She always said the Amida Prayer when she worked.


©　mukashibanashi


WKD: Namu Amida Butsu, the Amida Prayer


：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：：

Stories and publications about O-Take Nyorai

「於竹大日如来縁起絵巻」 資料：

『お竹大日さま』
『大歳（歳徳）神社の由来を尋ねて』

『お竹大日如来』（別称『孝女お竹』、正称『双蝶色成曙』）
河竹黙阿弥/作、元治元年（1864）初演

『お竹大日如来』（羽黒山叢書）　荒沢寺正善院/編
正善院/蔵

『於竹大日如来縁起絵巻』（3巻本）　嘉永2年（1849）、喜多武清/監修
正善院/蔵（本データベースに収録）

『於竹大日如来霊宝之語』　嘉永2年（1849）
金剛樹院/蔵 （［戸川 1991a］に翻刻）

『於竹大日如来俗体真影』
東北大学/蔵

「お竹如来」
『講談全集』第1巻（野間清治編纂、大日本雄辯會講談社、1928）所収

などなどあります。
http://www.nichibun.ac.jp/graphicversion/dbase/otake/data/data05/data.html

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

... ... ... 於竹大日如来 井戸跡

Well where the ascetics saw O-Take Nyorai



寛永の頃（１６４０年頃）江戸大伝馬町佐久間家（一説に馬込家）の下女お竹は日頃より慈悲心が深く、ある日、羽前羽黒山の行者より大日如来の化身であると告げられました。このことが市中に広がり、多くの人がお竹を拝むために訪れたといいます。
現在、芝の心光院に、お竹の木像や使った流し板、お竹大日如来に信仰の厚かった桂昌院（五代綱吉の母）の納めた蒔絵の手文庫などが保存されています。また、お竹が愛用し、貧困者が市をなしたという井戸の跡に碑が建てられています。
日本橋本町３丁目６－２
http://www.chuo-kanko.or.jp/guide/spot/nihonbashi/nihonbashi_01.html



この北向観音堂の観音様には次のような伝説があります。その伝説の名称は「北向観音とお竹さん」というもので、これもまた「大野誌」から引用しますと、「四之宮下郷の二見作兵衛氏の召使に“お竹”という女がいた。彼女は非常に倹約家で、米の一粒も流し去らないように流しの排水口に袋をかけ、また、信仰心篤く、毎日近くの観音様にお参りをした。ある時所用で尋ねてきた人が、お竹さんの体から後光がさしているのをみて、それから“お竹大日如来”と呼ばれるようになった。
http://www.scn-net.ne.jp/~journal/chimei_11_5.htm

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

More about Nyorai Buddhas of Japan !!!!!


Back to the Daruma Museum Index
http://darumasan.blogspot.com/

World Kigo Database

Kobo Daishi, Kukai

[ . BACK to Worldkigo TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Kobo Daishi Kukai 弘法大師　空海
(Kooboo Daishi, Kuukai) Kōbō Daishi Kūkai .. .. .. (774 - 835)

Founder of Shingon Japanese Esoteric Buddhism

For kigo about Kuukai see below.



Edited from an article by Koyu Sonoda:
There are few figures in Japanese history about whom such abundant biographies have been written as Kukai, popularly known by his posthumous title, Kobo Daishi.

Kukai was born in 774 in Sanuki Province on Shikoku. His birth name was Saeki no Mao. At seventeen he succeeded in entering the university. The trained his memory by using the Mantra of Akashagarbha.

In the autumn of 804, the first of the official diplomatic ships, in which Kukai was traveling, arrived in northeastern Fukien province in China. In the autumn of 806, Kukai returned to Japan.

Kukai's dazzling genius is graphically apparent in the calligraphy of a letter to Saicho (最澄), which is considered his greatest masterpiece.

He founded a temple on Mount Koya (高野山) in 816. Early in 823, Kukai was granted Toji (Too-ji　東寺), a temple situated at the entrance to Kyoto.

Kukai died on Mount Koya on April 23, 835, and it is believed that even now he remains in eternal samadhi in his bodily form within the inner shrine on the mountain.

Most ubiquitous are the tales about wells and springs associated with Kukai. A typical story is that in a certain village there was not sufficient water for irrigation, so the villagers had to be sparing in use of the water they drew from a far-off well. One day, there came passing through the village a traveling priest, who asked for a drink. The villagers willingly brought him one, whereupon the traveler, in thanks, struck the ground with his staff and a spring of water came gushing up. The traveler was in fact Kukai.

The best known of such activities is his direction of the reconstruction of the reservoir called Mannoike in Sanuki Province on Shikoku.

Read the complete story of his life here, please:
http://www.asunam.com/kukai_page.htm

Safekeep Copy is here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DarumaArchives-002/message/61



Kukai is often depicted on scolls or paintings seated, with a water container, a sprouted jar or water dropper or ritual ewer (kundika, Buddhist ritual sprinkler) beside him.

Quote
The vessel is probably best referred to as a ewer or kundika.
It references initiations (abhiseka [abhis'eka] ) in the historical transmission of Mikkyô. The Indian kundika (kun[.bel]d[.bel]ikâ ) was originally used for the royal accession ceremony for water from the four or five oceans poured on the head of the recipient; in Tantric traditions five ewers are often used. (Ennin received abhisekha from the master Yuanzheng 元政 with the Diamond World mandala then received the initiation of the Five Pitchers).

Read more about this discussion here:
© Cynthea Bogel / PMJS Group 2008


Read more about Kundika and Kendi:
The kendi is a well-known form in the Southeast Asian repertoire of vessels, and it has played a significant role in the rituals and daily life of the region since ancient times.

'Kendi' is a Malay word derived from the Sanskrit name 'kunda,' which came from 'kundika' a particular form of Indian vessel used as a container for liquids in both Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies.
Kendi in the Cultural Context of Southeast Asia
Dawn F. Rooney

Library



Buddhist Artwork and Kobo Daishi
with more detailed information about Kukai by
source : Mark Schumacher

.......................................................................


. Shikoku Henro Temple List 四国お遍路さん Henro Pilgrims .

. Legends about Kobo Daishi - 弘法大師　空海 - 伝説 .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Kobo Daishi for a modern need:

To bring children and good luck (like Daruma san).
子授招福大師 Kosazuke Daishi
An Offering from a Daishi Group in Osaka.
At the Temple Gokuraku-Ji, Nr. 2 in Shikoku.
修行大師像 平成十五年（2003年造像） 大阪極楽講同行による勧請、子授け招福をかなえて下さる修行大師様、 他の修行大師と違い子供を抱いておられるのが特徴 .



See my pictures Nr. 04 - 09 for more details.
... Photo Album Gabi Greve


Temples where to pray for conceiving of children. Usually Kannon or Jizo tend to that business. See
Child Protectors By Mark Schumacher


Here are many Japanese Temples for that purpose.
子授け寺・神社情報 へ



. Daishi Darani joo　大師陀羅尼錠　
Kobo Daishi Darani Medicine for stomach ailments .
Daisho-In 大聖院 , Miyajima


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Kenmai hooyoo 弘法大師献米法要
Rice offerings for Kobo Daishi

Ritual at the temple Toji in Kyoto 京都･東寺



On the second sunday in April.
Kenmai-Hoyo (Buddhist memorial service presenting rice)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


I have written a few articles about Kukai.

Ajimi Jizo 嘗試地蔵
Jizo Bosatsu tasting the food for Kobo Daishi

Koya San in Wakayama 高野山　和歌山県

Namikiri Fudo Wave-cutting Fudo 波切不動尊 、浪切不動明王　
Carved by Kobo Daishi himself.

http://www.daihorin-kaku.com/bijutsu/namikiri-fudo.htm

Sunafumi Ceremony お砂踏み　 (Shikoku Pilgrimmage) O-Sunafumi, osunafumi

Pilgrimages in the name of Kobo Daishi

Daruma San in Japan, Japanese Art and Culture: Washi, Japanese Paper

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Kukai Kobo Daishi and KIGO for Haiku

Kuukai Kooboo Daishi is a well known personality in the living Buddhism of Japan.
Many of the ceremonies and festivals in his honour are kigo. Here we will list a few.

.. .. Late Spring

March 21 :
Kuukai Kooboo Daishi Memorial Day
This kigo has various other names listed here:

Kuukai Memorial Day and Ceremony, miei-ku　御影供、mie-ku みえく (in Osaka)
..... (Miei literally means: The Honorable Shadow.　Ｔhis type of memorial service for a deceased person is also performed for normal people. In the case of Kobo Daishi, a memorial service is performed each month on the 21st.)
Orthodox Memorial Service, shoo miei-ku 正見御影供 (April 21 at Tooji, Kyoto)
Memorial Group, Miei-koo 御影講, Daishikoo 大師講
..... ( A Daishiko is a group of followers of Kobo Daishi and Shingon Buddhism under the guidance of a temple. Koyasan Shingon Tenchi-ji: Daishiko )

Kooboo Memorial Day, Koobooki (Kobo-ki)　弘法忌
Kuukai Memorial Day, Kuukaiki (Kukai-ki) 空海忌
Dear Kooboo, Koobo san　弘法さん
..... (Called like this by the people of Kyoto.)

changing of his robes, mi-koromogae 御衣替, o-koromo-i　御衣井
..... (His mummy kept at Koya-San gets the robes changed to summer a lighter dressing. They are changed back to warmer winter wear in November. The mummy also gets food and water every day. The water is drawn from a holy well at the Temple Hooki-In 宝亀院, and sold as medicine for all sorts of ailments there as "Holy Water" reisui　霊水. Hooki is the name of the period when Kobo Daishi was born. http://www.koya-san.jp/xc/gbase/disp/70/me )

Visiting three Kooboo temples, san Kooboo mairi 三弘法参り,
.. also : san Kooboo moode 三弘法詣で (in Kyoto, at temple Tooji on the first to third of January)
Visiting Ninna-Ji, O-Muromairi 御室参り　（仁和寺)
..... (Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms .)
Ladies visiting Jingo-Ji, Takao-san onnna moode 高雄山女詣, 高尾山女詣　（神護寺）
.....(On this day, ladies were allowed to the holy places otherwise only accessible to men.)



source :　Otsuka Tsutomu - facebook

. Ninnaji 仁和寺 Ninna-Ji, Kyoto .


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


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

.. .. Mid-Summer

aoba matsuri 青葉祭 (あおばまつり) festival of green leaves
Kooboo Daishi kootann e 弘法大師降誕会（こうぼうだいしこうたんえ）
birthday ritual for Kobo Daishi



quote
June 15 is the birthday of Kobodaishi, the founder of Koyasan and Shingon Buddhism. The weather was not totally expected to be fine or even oppositely. But it was blessed by Kobodaishi's virtue and even rain waited to its fall. Not only whole town but worshippers all over Japan get together at Koyasan and celebrate Kobodaishi's birthday in many ways.
... People from Kagawa, one of the 4 prefectures in Shikoku Island where Kobodaishi was born and later opened his pilgrimage route, have participate in the parade in their pilgrimage costume. How well organized their beautiful dancing are!
... Young priests also participate in the parade and spread pieces of paper called "sangue" whose shape is a lotus petal*.
Sangue is widely given in the Buddhist services or ceremonies to hold some memorial services for Buddha or the Saint like Kobodaishi. People who get these are grateful to Buddha for his virtue.
source : www.koyasan-ccn.com


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

.. .. Mid-Winter

Last Meeting of the Memorial Group, Daishi-koo 大師講,
December 21
Osame no Daishi 納めの大師, 終大師 Shimai Daishi, Osame-Daishi 収め大師


. Kooya Doofu 高野豆腐 Dried Tofu from Mt. Koya .
(food)



Annual Events at Koyasan
For every month:
source : www.koyasan-ccn.com/event

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

.. .. New Year

First Ceremonies of the Year including

First Ceremony for Kobo Daishi, hatsu Daishi, 初大師　January 21

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



南無大師 石手の寺よ 稲の花
Namu Daishi Ishite no tera ya ine no hana

Masaoka Shiki


Devotion to the Great Saint,
the temple of Ishite ...
rice plants abloom.
Tr. Kametaro



Ishite-Ji Temple, Nio Gate 石手寺（仁王門）and Haiku

. Emon Saburō 衛門三郎 Emon Saburo .
Legend about the "Stone Hand Temple"


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


寺の子の七五三とて南無大師
tera no ko no shichi go san tote Namu Daishi

even at the Shichi-Go-San Festival
for the Temple Children -
Praise to the Great Teacher!

At Temple Shobo-Ji
Tr. Gabi Greve



................................ 南無大師遍照金剛
Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo


Namu Daishi Henjoo Kongoo
Prayer in the name of Kukai
the Gohōgō Mantra

Namu means"Oh!", Daishi is Kôbô Daishi (Kukai) and Henjô Gongô is Dainichi Nyorai.
In Mikkyô, Dainichi Nyorai is the foundation of the universe and Kukai through the ritual of Gakuho Konjo connected Dainichi Nyorai and Buddha.
In other words, the Namu Daishi Henjo Gongo are the words admiring Kôbô Daishi and Dainichi Nyorai.
©　Hiroshi Kushima


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

.. .. .. Further Reference of the WKD

Saijiki for Buddhist Events

Memorial Days of famous people .

Pilgrimage(henro, junrei)Pilgrims
The 88 Temples Pilgrimmage of Shikoku

First Ceremonies of the year

Hanya Shingyo ：　Heart Sutra ..... 般若心経 ... and Haiku

Seven Five Seven (shichigosan) Japan.
Celebrating seven, five and three year old children

. . . . .


Beronaga べろ長 "the long tongue"
Taming a monster in Aizu Wakamatsu

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Kobo Daishi gankake omamori　願掛けお守り
. Gankake 願掛け wish-prayer, to make a wish .

MORE
. Kukai O-Mamori 空海　お守り Amulets with Kobo Daishi .



[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


Ikonographie von Kukai

Die acht Patriarchen der Shingon-Sekte (Shingon hasso 真言八祖（しんごんはっそ）) sind:
Ryuumyoo 龍猛, Fukuu 不空三蔵, Ryuuchi 龍智, Kongoochi 金剛智), Zenmui 善無畏 , Ichigyoo 一行禅師, Keika Ajari 恵果阿闍梨 und Kuukai (Kooboo Daishi 弘法大師・空海).
Beispiel: Reliefstatuen im Tempel Kongoochooji 金剛頂寺, Shikoku.

Besonders häufig sind Statuen von Kooboo Daishi (774 - 835), dem Gründer der japanischen Shingon-Sekte.
Auf einem großen Stuhl, in der rechten Hand einen Donnerkeil mit fünf Zacken, in der linken Hand einen Rosenkranz. Vor dem Stuhl stehen die Schuhe und ein Wassergefäß (kundika). Diese Wassergefässe werden in buddhistischen Ritualen verwendet, sie enthalten das "Wasser des Lebens". Ihr Ursprung ist in Indien (kendi, kundika), dem Ursprungsland des Buddhismus.

Als stehende Figur im Pilgergewand, mit einem großen Strohhut, in der rechten einen Rosenkranz oder die Almosenschale und in der linken den Pilgerstab repräsentiert er so den Daishi auf seinen Pilgerfahrten (Shugyoo Daishi 修行大師).
So findet er sich häufig im Vorgarten eines Shingon-Tempels.

(c) Gabi Greve
Buddhastatuen (Buddha statues) Who is Who
Ein Wegweiser zur Ikonografie von japanischen Buddhastatuen


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

. Shikoku Henro Temple List 四国お遍路さん Henro Pilgrims .

. Legends about Kobo Daishi - 弘法大師　空海 - 伝説 .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO　　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
- #kukaidobodaishi #kukai #kobodaishi -
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::