Shourekiji
Thoughts
Whether you are a parishioner/believer or not, I want to show the necessary things of the now to the hearts of those who are living for the moment.
This is the most important thing about staying at the temple. I want to use as much as possible all the history, teachings, methods, bonds, and thoughts that I have accumulated, and turn them into helping each and every person with their energy for tomorrow, a change in their minds, and a sense of self-esteem, etc. That is my testimony for Shoureki-ji Temple.
Chief Priest Koshin Tamagawa
History
It is said that Saint Kuya carved and enshrined Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) in the 5th year of Tengyou (942), its beginning. The name of the temple was given by Emperor Ichijou in the 2nd year of Shouryaku (991), and it was based on the era name of the time due to its efficacy in praying for rain.
Successive feudal lords of the Ayabe Clan also patronized this temple as one for prayer. Most of the many existing halls (the main hall, the temple gate, the chief priest's living quarters/kitchen area, and the guardian god hall) were built by Saint Tanshin about 190 years ago.
Bonds
Shoureki-ji Temple has been in this area for several hundred years. The temple has been protected by the feudal lords, parishioners/believers, and people of the times, and has reached the point now of being a cornerstone of the community.
Even today, the temple holds not only religious events such as the Oogomaku Buddhist memorial service, Segaki (mass for lost souls), and the Higan (equinoctial week) Buddhist memorial service, but also activities where people can find their place and not be bound by religion so much such as permanent gatherings like tanka poetry and poetry recitation, and dinner parties, etc., the "Hagi Festival" organized by the Women's Association, the "Summer Festival", a three-generational BBQ for 100 people organized by the Youth Club, and wrestling and fashion shows etc..
Nature
A 600-year-old zelkova tree is enshrined in the scenic precincts surrounded by mountains with the Yura River below, and a variety of flowers help us feel the seasons.
In the bamboo grove in the mountains behind the temple, you can enjoy the sound of the wind, the birdsong, and the murmuring of the river. Depending on the season, you can harvest bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, yuzu citrus fruit, Japanese peppers (prickly-ash), plums, and pears, and at night, you can see the shining, star-filled sky that only the countryside can offer.
Statues
With its long history, Shoureki-ji Temple has many cultural assets.
You can see a history of over 1,000 years which includes a garden designated by the prefecture as a place of scenic beauty, a statue of the thousand-armed Kannon (designated as a cultural property by the city), a Nehan-zu (a painting of Buddha entering Nirvana which is an important cultural property), and a palanquin associated with the Kuki family, etc.
Goshuin
We wanted to spread our message more widely to more people, and so in Autumn 2018, we renewed the Goshuin stamp by using local Kurodani washi paper and drawing a small picture on it.
We have also introduced a mailing service so that those who are far away or have limited mobility can get hold of it. For those who are staying at the temple and wish to have their own original Goshuin stamp made, we have also included this in our program.