Then, one night, a dream led Rinshū to a spot on the mountain. Here, in the undergrowth, he discovered an image of the Medicine Buddha (薬師如来) made by Saichō (最澄 767-822), founder of Enryaku-ji.
Rinshū enshrined the statue at his home on Nijō Muromachi and Eifuku-ji was born.
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...
May is the month of colours popping🌈🪻🎨🙌🎉
A sea of nemophila (ネモフィラ), known as 'baby blue eyes', welcomes visitors to the top of Mt Hiei. Up here the flowers of early spring are still going strong.
Not native to Japan, the flower has recently grown in popularity, and can be see in gardens across the city.
#Hieizan #Kyoto #MtHiei #比叡山 #京都 #Japan #spring #babyblueeyes
👩🦱🧕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.
🤕THE TWISTED HEAD🔄
Shinshōgokuraku-ji's (真正極楽寺) statue is known as 'Amida with the Inclined Head' (うなずきの弥勒) & the 'Shaking Head Amida' (頭振りの阿弥陀).
Ennin (円仁) crafted the image from a sacred nutmeg tree in which the god Myōkamyōjin (苗鹿明神) appeared to him.
Ennin made 2 statues of Amida from the sacred nutmeg tree. The 2nd he made after meeting the 'real' Amida on his way home from China.
Camellia Tea Ceremony