Don't you sometimes feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refreshing your mind?
Daishoin, nestled behind Itsukushima Shrine, is an ancient temple on Miyajima with over 1200 years of history. Walking through its tranquil grounds, you'll naturally feel a sense of calm.
Within the temple, you'll find the 'Daihannyakyozutsu' (Sutra Wheels) which grant merit when spun, the 'Kaidan Meguri' (Circumambulation of the Ordination Platform) where you walk through darkness, the 'Henjokutsu' (Illuminated Cavern) which is said to offer the same benefits as visiting all 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the 'Ichigan Taishi' (One-Wish Great Master) who grants only one heartfelt wish.
As you walk through this historic temple, open your five senses and quietly face yourself. Why not spend some time at Daishoin to create space in your mind?
After passing through the Nio Gate, you'll find the 'Daihannyakyozutsu' lined up alongside the stairs leading to the main hall. Inside these golden cylinders are stored the Buddhist scriptures, the 'Great Prajnaparamita Sutra'.
Though these sutras are so vast they cannot be read in a lifetime, it is believed that by turning each cylinder, you can gain the same merit as having read the scriptures.
Touch the cylinders with your fingertips and slowly ascend the stairs. As you repeat these small actions, your mind gradually seems to become more composed.
After ascending the stairs, you'll reach the 'Kaidan Meguri' located beneath Kannon-do Hall.
Stepping inside, you'll find yourself in pitch black darkness where you can't see an inch ahead. You carefully proceed through this space, imagined as the womb of Buddha, with your hand along the wall.
With your sight obscured, sensations you usually don't notice, such as the feel of the wall and your footsteps, become heightened.
Eventually, beyond the darkness, the figure of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) illuminated by light emerges. This symbolizes the teaching that Buddha will guide you even amidst your worries and anxieties.
It is also said that if you can touch the padlock at the far end, you will form a connection with Buddha and receive blessings.
After completing the Kaidan Meguri, head to the underground of Taishi-do Hall, located in the back of the temple grounds. There, you'll find the 'Henjokutsu'.
Lanterns covering the ceiling cast a soft light, illuminating the main deities of the Shikoku 88 Sacred Places, which stand quietly in a row. At their feet, sand collected from each of those temples is spread.
Daishoin is a temple deeply connected to the Shikoku Pilgrimage, as it is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai), who founded the Shikoku 88 Sacred Places, trained here.
By walking over the sand and visiting each Buddha figure, it is believed you will receive the same benefits as having visited all 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
It's a time to quietly walk amidst the warm light of the lanterns. A place where you can experience the prayers of the Ohenro (pilgrimage) while still on Miyajima.
After exiting the Henjokutsu, head to the back of Taishi-do Hall.
There, quietly stands the 'Ichigan Taishi'. As its name suggests, it is affectionately known for 'granting only one heartfelt wish'.
Ordinarily, we tend to wish for this and that. However, after slowly walking through Daishoin and composing your mind, you might discover the one wish that is truly important to you.
Gently bring your hands together before the Ichigan Taishi, and bring just one wish to mind.
At the end of your journey through Daishoin, a time awaits to quietly face your own heart.
【DATA】
Daishoin
Address / 210 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima
TEL / 0829-44-0111
