Sanzen-in: Honzon Yakushi Nyorai (Kyoto)

– Sanzen-in, Honzon Yakushi Nyorai – 三千院 、本尊薬師如来–

When you imagine traveling around Japan, images of trains inevitably arise. And yes, you can get to many of Japan’s most famous sites easily by train. However, some truly beautiful locations can be easily reached only by bus or car. Sanzen-in is one of those places.

Sanzen-in is a lush, moss-covered temple complex in Ohara, about an hour north of Kyoto by bus. The winding pathways through the garden lead visitors to many interesting things. In the garden you can find cute stone Warabe-jizo statues, a small pond, and more as you make your way to the various temples.

It was founded in 804 by Saicho, the man who introduced Tendai Buddhism to Japan. One of the major features of modern Japanese Buddhism, Shomyo (Japanese sutra chanting) also began here. Furthermore, its status as one of the five monzeki temples in Japan marks it apart from other temples. A monzeki is a Buddhist priest from an aristocratic family; the temples they served in are known as monzeki temples. This one in particular has had head priests from the Imperial family.

This goshuin has 本尊薬師如来 (Honzon Yaksushi Nyorai) written down the center for the statue of Yakushi. Yakushi is a Buddha that cures all ills that’s is often worshiped in Japanese Buddhism. A statue of this Buddha is the central object of worship in the Shinden.

It is available at the spot marked “Shuin 3” on the map available on the English website.

Sanzen-in has five goshuin that you can receive:

• Konjiki Fudo-do
• Benzai-ten
• Shou Kannon
• Honzon Yakushi Nyorai
• Amida Sanzon

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