Located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, is Chion-in (which translates to Monastery of Gratitude).
The location is the headquarters of the Jodo-shu (Pure Land Sect) founded by Honen (1133-1212) who proclaimed that sentinient beings are reborn in Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise by reciting the Nembutsu (Amida Buddha’s name).
The Jodo-shu (Jodo Buddhism) is a branch of Pure Land Buddhism which was established back in 1175 and is the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.
And the founder Honen, his history is quite interesting.
He was born in a prominent family in Japan and after a rival official assassinated his father in 1141, Honen was initiated in his uncle’s monastery and studied to be a monk at the famous monastery of Mount Hiei.
But despite being well-respected, he was not satisfied with the Tendai teachings which he learned at the monastery and influenced by the writings of Shandao, he devoted himself soley to Amitabha (a celestial Buddha according to the scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism and is the principal Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism) as expressed through the practice of nembutsu.
He would eventual develop a large following, especially from women who have been excluded from serious Buddhist practice and also had followers who were fishermen, prostitutes, fortune tellers and if anything, he did not discriminate against anyone.
Of course, when the religious and political elite of Kyoto and Emperor Go-Toba were concerned of his growing popularity, they had him exiled to a remote part of Japan and given him a criminal’s name. His followers were executed and others exiled.
While he was eventually pardoned and returned to Kyoto in 1211, he would die in 1212 after writing his famous “One-Sheet Document”. The document is meant to summarize Honen’s teachings for future generations and serves as his final testament. The document affirms Honen’s belief that ultimately sentient beings are deluded and ignorant but through the entrusting of Amida Buddha, through recitation of the nembutsu, one can be reborn in the Pure Land.
The location of Chion-in includes where Honen settled to give his teachings but also the location of where he died.
Please note, I happened to be in Kyoto during a storm, so there will be rain spots or smudges in these photos.
This is an incredible location to visit.
I’ve been to many temples throughout Japan and this one in terms of land and space dedicated to the temple is quite impressive. And I’ll touch upon the history of the temple and showcase more of what people can expect to see in part 2!
