Chion-in Monastery

in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan is the headquarters of the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land Sect) founded by Hōnen (1133–1212), who proclaimed that sentient beings are reborn in Amida Buddha's Western Paradise (Pure Land) by reciting the ''nembutsu'', Amida Buddha's name.

The vast compounds of Chion-in include the site where Hōnen settled to disseminate his teachings and the site where he died.

History

The original temple was built in 1234 by Hōnen's disciple, Genchi (1183–1238) in memory of his master and was named Chion-in. While the temple was affiliated more closely in the early years with the Seizan branch of Jodo Shu, its 8th head priest, Nyoichi (1262–1321) was deeply influenced by the priest Ryōkū, a disciple of Ryōchū who was the 3rd head of the Chinzei branch of Jōdo-shū Buddhism, and disciple of Benchō. Later Nyoichi's successor Shunjō (1255–1355) advanced this further by citing a biography where Genchi's disciple Renjaku-bo and Ryōchū agree that there existed no doctrinal differences between them:

By 1450, Chion-in had become fully under control of the Chinzei branch, but had little direct control, due to the outbreak of the Ōnin War. Numerous buildings in the complex were burnt down in 1633, but were entirely rebuilt by the third Tokugawa ''shōgun'' Iemitsu (1604–1651) with the palatial structures that stand today.

Architecture

The colossal main gate, the Sanmon, was built in 1619 and is the largest surviving structure of its kind in Japan. It features an Irimoya-zukuri or a Hip and Gabled roof. The purpose of the hip and gable roof is to protect the center point of the temple.

Chion-in has a large and a small guest house in the irimoya roof style called Ohojo and Kohojo that are designated Important Cultural Heritages. Both guest houses were built in 1641.

Chion-in is home to Japan's largest temple bell, which was commissioned in 1633 and weighs 74 tons. It used to require a 25-man team to sound it. But now the temple website says 17 are needed.

There are a few interesting features to note about Chion-in: first, all roof beams are carved with the family crest of the Tokugawa family: three hollyhock leaves. Another feature is the umbrella found stashed in the rafters outside the main temple. One of the architects who helped rebuild the temple placed the umbrella in the rafters to help bring rain (and thereby ward off fire).

An interesting feature inside the temple is the very squeaky boards, an example of a nightingale floor. The wooden boards were built with metal ends that would rub against the metal joints they were attached to, created a piercing noise as people step on them. This was intentionally done so that when the Tokugawa family stayed at the temple, they could detect unwanted intruders at night.

The interior of Chion-in is decorated with black, gold and cinnabar colors throughout. A baldacchino of fine metal work, and red, silk ropes and tassels adorn the area. Lotus plants in pots encased in beaten gold.

The introduction of wood being a fine art and working with contemporary art is drastically changed the way that religious buildings were built and decorated.

7 Wonders

Uguisubari-no-rōka

This is the Nightingale Hallway (Buddha's Vow). This 550m long hallway connects Mieid ō and Shūed ō. The Nightingale hallway was equipped with flooring that make the sound of the Nightingale when someone walks on them. It acts as a type of security system as the lighter someone tries to walk the more sound it makes. They say that the sound of the nightingale bird is meant to be a reminder to listen to Buddha's teachings.

Shiraki-no-hitsugi

This is the Plainwood Coffin (A symbol of Nonattachment to One's Life and Body). In the Sanmon, the bodies of Gomi Kin'uemon and his wife lie in plain coffins. These people built the gate and carved wooden statues of themselves. After the gate was completed, both Gomi Kin'uemon and his wife committed suicide. People still to this day who visit Chion-in cry for them.

Wasuregasa

This is the Forgotten Umbrella (A Symbol of Gratitude). This umbrella holds many different meanings, it is in Mieidō between the eaves on the southeast section. It is said to be a symbol of gratitude delivered by a white fox, promising to protect Chion-in. Another said it was simply forgotten by master carpenter, Hidari Jingorō. Lasty, it is said to protect Chion-in from fires because it has a connected relationship to water.

Nukesuzume

This is the Sparrows that Flew Away (A Symbol of Polishing One's Mind). The fusuma-e, or a painting on sliding doors, done by Kanō Nobumasa a painting featuring white Chrysanthemum flowers. According to legend sparrows were painted on but the birds look so real that they came to life and flew away.

Sanpō Shōmen Mamuki-no-Neko

This is the Cat That Sees in Three Directions (A Symbol of a Parent’s Heart). Located in Ōhōjō, the large guest house. This painting of a cat represents compassion of the Buddha and the heart of a parent. This cat seems to be looking at you at anywhere you may be look at it.

Ōshakushi

This is the Large Rice Paddle (A Symbol of the Buddha’s Salvation). This was a larger than average paddle, meant to serve a lot of people at once. This rice paddle, according to legend, was meant to save all of mankind. "Scoop" and "Save/rescue" are both pronounced Sukuu. This play on words was meant to symbolize Amida's compassion.

Uryūseki

This is the Cucumber Rock (A Symbol of Encouragement). This large rock said to predate Chion-in is in front of the Kuromon. Gozu Tennō, a deity, said that in one night gourds started to grow from this rock.

Location

Directly to the north of Chion-in (and abutting) is the much smaller temple of Shōren-in. Directly to the south (and abutting) is Maruyama Park, which itself connects to Yasaka Shrine and thence Gion.

Gallery

File:Wooden gate with open double door leading to the garden of Isshinin Buddhist temple in the compounds of Chion-in Kyoto Japan.jpg, View on the garden of ''Isshinin'' Buddhist temple
File:Chionin31n3200.jpg, Ōhōjō
File:Chionin02n4272.jpg, Amida-dō
File:Chionin11n4272.jpg, Seishi-dō
File:Chion-in - various - 20150621 - 06.jpg, Tahōtō (pagoda)
File:Chion-in - various - 20150621 - 05.jpg
File:Chionin sanmon gate.jpg, The front gate or of Chion-in
File:Rapid descent.jpg, Raigō of Amida and Twenty-five Attendants - a painting by the temple that is designated a National Treasure

See also

* List of National Treasures of Japan (temples)
* List of National Treasures of Japan (paintings)
* List of National Treasures of Japan (writings)
* Pure Land Buddhism

Notes

References

* Dobbins, James C. (1989). ''Jodo Shinshu: Shin Buddhism in Medieval Japan.'' Bloomington, Illinois: Indiana University Press.
OCLC 470742039

External links

Homepage of Chion-in
in English

Information and Photograph
in English
Album of 2016 Photographs
on Flickr

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chionin Temple
1175 establishments in Asia
Buddhist temples in Kyoto
National Treasures of Japan
Important Cultural Properties of Japan
Jōdo-shū
Pure Land temples
12th-century establishments in Japan
Hōnen
Monzeki
Jōdo-shū temples