This post is also available in: Japanese Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Korean Vietnamese

Naruganji

There was peace when I passed through the mountain gate

The mountain gate, which is the main gate of the temple. The dazzling white-walled gate is impressive even from a distance. It is a Zen temple of the Soto sect, “Tahoyama Joganji”. The main mountains are Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture and Sojiji Temple in Tsurumi, Yokohama City. “Tahosan” is a mountain name, which is the title given to a temple.

Regarding the origin of Zen Buddhism. Buddhism started by Buddhism, and its heart and practice are passed down to disciples and grandchildren. Eventually, Ambassador Daruma, who believed that “only the heart of Zen is true,” became the ancestor of Zen Buddhism.

The secret of Nakano’s chief

Joganji Temple is also called “Nakano Choja no Tera”. The chief is Kuro Suzuki (born 1371 / died in 1441), although he cultivated wasteland near the Kanda River, cultivated fields, raised horses, and sold them. I didn’t get any sickness and lived in poverty.

On the way to Ma City, Kuro visited Kannon in Asakusa. I prayed, “If the horse sells and the price is mixed with Daikantsuho, I will give it to Kannon.” Daikan Tsuho was a Song dynasty used in the Ashikaga period and was a very expensive bronze coin.

The horse sold higher than expected, and Kuro received the price. How, all the money is a big treasure. To keep the vow to Kannon, we must offer it.

Kuro was at a loss, but he paid all the Daikan Tsuho to Kannon. And from the next day, I will work harder than ever. It is said that he eventually made a fortune and was loved by many people, and became known as Nakano Choja.

The secret of Mr. Nakano is very steady. That’s why it came true.

Gohonzon, Shaka-sama, Hyakukannon-do on a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of each country

The heroic treasure hall with a terrifying atmosphere. In the back is the sitting statue of Shaka Nyorai, that is, Shaka Nyorai. The sculpture style unique to the Kamakura period shows the appearance of enlightenment.

33 places in the West, 33 places in Bando, and 34 places in Chichibu. Entsukaku, where Kannon-sama, who looks the same as these 100 Kannon sacred sites, is enshrined. It seems that the same merit as the pilgrimage of the Hundred Kannon Sacred Grounds can be obtained.

The Rokujizo Bodhisattva is lined up in front of the mountain gate. It is said that a living thing will be born in some of the six worlds (hell, hunger, brute, shura, human, heaven) after death. A Jizo Bodhisattva in the shape of a traveling monk will appear to protect the suffering soul.

Nabeshima Jizo, a cultural property designated by Nakano Ward. It was built in 1669 for the children of the Nabeshima clan of the Saga Hasunoike Domain.

An air raid shelter used during World War II. Many people fled, and some of the treasures of Naruganji, such as the principal idol and Kaisan, were protected.

You can take a tour of the air raid shelter to the inside by appointment.

How about a beautiful red stamp?

At Naruganji, red stamps drawn on paper are on sale. There is also a red stamp book, but this is not an original product but a commercial product.

There is a reception desk at Naruganji Temple on the right side of the Daiohoden, where you can buy red stamps and amulets.

From New Year’s prayer to Joya no kane Zazen meditation and Buddha’s birthday party

At Naruganji Temple, seasonal annual events and various activities are held.

There are many events where you can feel the depth of the relationship with Kannon, such as Kannon’s fair and Kannon’s pilgrimage.

Even beginners can participate in zazen and shabutsukai. Please see the official website of Naruganji for details.

As of May 2021, zazen meditation is canceled. Please check the official website for the schedule.

Gaze at the life of the once-in-a-lifetime meeting, respect it, and live calmly in the eternity of the universe.

This word is a relief that goes through the Zen master Suzuki Kuro who built Joganji Temple.

Visiting Naruganji, you can think about yourself and feel at ease. And if you can grow by learning and inspiration. I wonder if that is the benefit.

There is a parking lot for worshipers, and you can park in the precincts. 1 minute walk from Keio Bus “Naruganji-mae”. 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway “Nakano Sakaue Station”.

Radio exercises are held at 6:30 every morning except Sundays, public holidays, and rainy weather, and it is possible to worship early in the morning.

References

・ Materials distributed at Naruganji Temple

·Official site

This manuscript has been checked by Mr. Naruganji.