Eifuku-ji was founded in 1181 by a wealthy man named Rinshū (林秀) who, later in life, shaved his head and undertook monthly pilgrimages to worship the Medicine Buddha on Mt Hiei.
As he grew old the journey became impossible, and he began to fear for his soul...

#Japan #比叡山 #MtHiei #Enryakuji #延暦寺

During the 'Kaihōgyō' (回峰行) Tendai monks descend from Enryaku-ji (延暦寺) on Mt. Hiei and complete various prayer routes that take them into the city and back to their home temple.
This ascetic practice is undertaken for 1000 days (over 7 years)!

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #Enryakuji #延暦寺 #天台宗

👩‍🦱🧕FOR ALL WOMEN👳‍♀️👩‍🦲

Shortly before finishing the statue Ennin dreamt it came to life, walked out of the Nenbutsu-dō and nodded 3 times towards the city.
Amida exclaimed that he wished to descend Mt Hiei and live in the capital, where he could protect women from evil and misfortune.

Because he had not added the byakugō, Ennin ignored the dream and installed the statue in the Jōgyō-dō on Mt Hiei.

#Kyoto #京都 #Hieizan #MtHiei #比叡山 #Enryakuji #延暦寺

The petals of the flower were also likened to the scarf worn by the famed 'sōhei (僧兵) of Enryaku-ji.

These warrior monks, for centuries an ominous threat to religious opponents and the imperial court, had a distinctive manner of dressing.

#dogwood #japanesedogwood #Japan #sohei #Enryakuji #延暦寺 #僧兵