Gokuraku-ji (Kamakura)

The Gekuraku -ji (Japanese极 楽 寺) is a Buddhist temple was established in 1259 in Kamakura, Kanagawa. It belongs to the Shingon Ritsu sect and is the only one of its kind in Kamakura.

• 2.1 Sanmon
• 2.2 Main Hall
• 2.3 Tenborin - the
• 2.4 Daishi - dō
• 2.5 Gorinto and Hokyo -into

History

Foundation

The temple was founded by priests Ryokanbo Nisho ( 1217-1303 ). He had resumed his studies at the age of 13 years when the priest Eison in Saidai -ji in Nara, and came to Kamakura in 1261, where he put a path through the mountains of Kamakura, the Gokurakuji zaka. At the same time built Hōjō Shigetoki a residence in the area. The newly created path facilitated the work and led to a friendship between the two.

Shigetoki supported Ninsho financially in the construction of the temple. After his death his sons support Nagatoki (1230-1264) and Naritoki (1241-1287) the construction of the temple, which was completed in 1267. [Note 1]

The temple rose rapidly in reputation. Together with the Saidai -ji in Nara, it was the headquarters of the Shingon Ritsu Buddhism in eastern Japan. The temple held the status of a Chokuganjo, a temple, praying on behalf of the government for peace and stability in the country.

Nursing

Nisho worked until his death in 1303 in the temple, both Buddhist teachings as well as a builder and healer. On the temple grounds a hospital that treated the traditions for more than 60,000 patients in 20 years was mainly persons; who were suffering from leprosy. They were considered as well as in Europe as a leper to whom the contact was avoided. Even into the 1996 lepers in Japan were lifelong compulsorily admitted to a sanatorium. After his death, his successors continue the work.

A large mortar with pestle close to the main hall is still part of this past of the temple. The mortar was used to crush the herbs.

Destruction and reduction

In 1333 attacked Nitta Yoshisada ( 1302-1338 ) Kamakura. In the attack, large parts of the temple were destroyed, not least because the area around the temple to the battlefield was. The plant was, although not completely ( the support of the Hōjō clan was missing ), rebuilt. It should be noted that the temple retained its status as Chokuganjo despite the change in power relations.

Big fire in the years 1425 and 1572 and an earthquake in 1433 once more drove great damage. The temple was rebuilt each time, but shrank the terrain and the number of buildings. From the 16th century it is reported only four buildings.

Younger past and present

The present temple was rebuilt after the Kanto earthquake in 1923 and has a size of about 500 square meters. The public access is severely limited, photography is not allowed on the premises.

Construction of the temple complex

Ancient Drawings According to the site was about 800 m × 900 m tall. There were seven main building and 49 additional cancellation. The main building and its layout were built in the style Shichido warranty. On the site, there was also the hospital. This structure was not preserved because the temple was destroyed several times in its history. Despite the reduced size, many precious statues found on the grounds.

Sanmon

The entrance to the grounds is the thatched Sanmon. It was built in 1863. A sign on the gate (in Japanese) says that only believers may ( pilgrims) occur. From Sanmon an approximately 100 m long paved walkway leading to the main hall. On both sides are cherry trees.

Main hall

In the main hall a 98 cm high wooden statue is enshrined representing Fudō myōō. The statue dates from the 12th century. The statue was previously enshrined in a temple in the prefecture of Shimane and spent until 1926 in the Gokurakuji. Fudō myōō holding a sword and a rope. His threatening body language and facial expressions to destroy all who threaten the Buddha's teachings.

The statue is flanked on the left by a statue of Yakushi Nyorai ( Bhaisajyaguru ) and to the right of a 56 cm high statue of Monju Bosatsu ( Manjushri ). The latter is known as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. It is believed that this companion figures in the 13th century - were produced - probably in 1273. They show the influence of the Chinese Sung- style.

In the main hall of statues of various priests are also enshrined that have guided the temple. Unlike statues of priests of Zen, the statues do not sit on a chair, but on the ground. The priests are shown:

• Ninsho; the wooden figure is 86.5 cm tall and dates from the Muromachi period ( 1336-1573 ).
• Eison; the figure of Ninshos champion and patriarch of the Shingon - Ritsu sect is 84.5 cm high. The wooden statue was carved in 1306. It was razed to the head of the fire of 1425.
• Eishin; he was the second priest. The wooden figure is 73.5 cm tall and is also made in the Muromachi period.
• Esho; the 60.6 cm high statue was carved in 1663 as Esho was even 70 years old.

Tenborin - the

On the way from Sanmon to the main hall you pass the Tenborin - the lying on the right side. The building built in 1968 is a mini - museum, which displays in the old statues and accessories for various Buddhist rituals. [Note 2]

To see include a 91 cm wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai from the 13th century and statues representing the 10 major student of Buddhism (comparable with the apostles in Christianity): Daikasho, Anaritsu, Furuna, Kasen'nen, Seven Pillars, Ragora, Sharihotsu, Mokukenren, Ananda and Shubodai. These statues are 83-87 cm high and were partially carved before 1269.

Daishi - dō

On the left side of the path to the main hall is the Nebenstempel Dashi - dō, who called the priest Kobe ( 774-835 ), also Kūkai, is dedicated. He was the founder of the Shingon sect of the Shingon Ritsu derives the sect.

On display is also a statue of Kannon Nyoirin. The statue is number 22 in the list of Bandō Sanjūsankasho. According to tradition, the statue was in possession of Tokiwa, the mother of Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189) and served as their patron saint.

Also seen are a painted statue of Shingon founder Kobe and various utensils for rituals of Shingon Buddhism of the Kamakura period.

However, the most important treasure of Gokuraku -ji is a 158 cm large statue of Shaka Nyorai of the year in 1268. Ninsho you became a priest passed in 1297. The statue is carved in the style Seiryoji and unique in its presentation. The dress goes down to the neck and the hair look like braided ropes. The statue can only be visited from April 7 to 9. ( April 8th is the birthday of Shaka Nyorais. )

Gorinto and Hokyo -into

About 300 m north-west of the temple, where the Inamuragasaki Elementary School is a clearing on the Gorinto and Hoyko -into is available. The land belonged once to the temple grounds. It is accessible to the public only on 8 April today.

The Gorintō, a Buddhist stone pagoda of five elements is 355 cm high, the highest in the Kantō region. This one has got the nickname Ninsho -tō in honor of priests Ninsho.

The 310 cm high Hokyo -into is also a stone pagoda. From this here is claimed that it is the grave stone of Hōjō Shigetoki. Only in Shingon Buddhism such large cenotaphs are built. The Hokyo -into is carved from tuff, a hard stone, which does not exist in the area of Kamakura. It is believed that the blank is from the Izu Peninsula.

Pilgrimage

The Gokuroku -ji is one of the Bandō Sanjūsankasho, a pilgrimage, dedicated to the goddess Kannon. As the name suggests, is the pilgrimage of 33 temples. The Gokuroku -ji Temple is the 22nd in the list.

Trivia

• It became famous for the temple by a Kabuki play called Shiranami Gonin Otoko, one of the most famous plays. In one scene Benten Kozo - Seppuko commits on the temple roof.
• In addition to the Tenborin - the Ume is a rare tree. During the heyday it bears flowers with one and with two petals on the same branch.
• One can translate Gokuraku with paradise, so is the Gekuraku -ji temple to paradise.

Location and accessibility

The Gokuraku -ji is located in the southeast of Kamakura about 500 meters west of Hase -dera and the Daibutsu of Kamakura. The Sanmon located right next to the train station Gokurakuji the Enoden railway line which Kamakura and Enoshima connects.

The address is 3-6-7 Gokuraku -ji, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Swell

Comments

35.31028139.52833Koordinaten: 35 ° 18 ' 37 "N, 139 ° 31 ' 42" O

• Buddhist temple in Kamakura