Shingon

Hiking Kōbōyama (Part 2)

Susan Spann Uncategorized August 22, 2018August 19, 2018#100Summits, 100 Summits, Buddhism, hiking, Japan, Kobo Daishi, koboyama, Shingon

Last week’s high-temperature, high-humidity hike in Kanagawa Prefecture took me to the summits of three more peaks: Sangenyama, Gongenyama, and Kōbōyama. (For the story and photos from the first two peaks, click here.) The trail from Gongenyama’s summit down the ridge toward Kōbōyama starts off a highly civilized set of stairs with trees on either side. At the foot of the stairs, a short section of trail leads to a parking lot where people who prefer to drive to the summit, rather than hiking, can leave their vehicles for the 15-minute stair-walk to Gongenyama.

Fudo Myo-o and the Fudo Hall (Koyasan Part 3)

Susan Spann Blog April 20, 2018Buddhism, Fudo, Fudo Myo-o, Fudo-do, Japan, Koya, Koyasan, Mount Koya, Shingon

Founded by the monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) during the 9th century, Danjo Garan continues to function as the heart of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism in Japan. While the entire kōya (mountaintop valley) is considered a single “temple,” the complex at Danjo Garan holds many important historical structures that still serve a role in modern Buddhist worship – including the Fudō-do, or Fudō Hall. (To read this series on Koya from the beginning, click here.) In Shingon Buddhist belief, Fudō Myō-ō is an incarnation of the Buddha and the leader of the wisdom kings. He protects the living and guides them toward enlightenment.

Kōya, Part 2: A Walk to Danjo Garan

Susan Spann Blog April 13, 2018April 20, 2018100 Summits, autumn, Buddhism, danjo garan, foliage, Koya, Koyasan, Shingon

Danjo Garan, the primary temple complex on Kōya, sits about two blocks from the “main street” visitor center, shops, and restaurants. Although all of Kōya is considered a single temple complex, Danjo Garan acts as the beating heart of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism. (To start this series on Kōya from the beginning, click here.)

A Visit to Koyasan, part 1: Up the Mountain!

Susan Spann Blog April 11, 2018April 20, 2018Japan, Koya, Koyasan, Shingon, shukubo, visiting koya

Kōyasan, or Kōya, is a natural basin atop a mountain in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The shallow basin (called a kōya in Japanese) sits 800 meters above sea level, and is home to one of Japan’s most sacred temple complexes (also known as Kōyasan), as well as Japan’s largest cemetery, Okunoin. In the weeks that come, I hope you’ll join me for a virtual tour of Kōya and its various sites of interest. Today, we’re taking the journey up the mountain by cable car.

A Visit to Kongobuji, Part 2: The Dragon Garden

Susan Spann Blog February 23, 2018February 19, 2018Banryutei Garden, Japan, Kongobuji, Koya, Koyasan, rock gardens, Shingon

(To start the visit to Kongobuji from the beginning, click here.) After entering the main building of Kongobuji, visitors pass through the gold-doored ohiroma (sadly, no photos allowed) and along a hallway with wooden floors worn smooth by time and the passage of many feet. Like many Japanese temples, Kongobuji features gardens in every outdoor space, no matter how small.

A Visit to Kongobuji, Part 1

Susan Spann Blog February 21, 2018February 19, 2018Buddhism, Japan, Kongobuji, Koyasan, Mount Koya, Shingon

Originally constructed in 1593 on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Kongobuji is currently the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Kongobuji means “Temple of the Diamond Mountain Peak.” The temple acquired this name after joining with another temple (which was also the time when it became the head temple of Koyasan Shingon).

Hiking Kōbōyama (Part 2)

Fudo Myo-o and the Fudo Hall (Koyasan Part 3)

Kōya, Part 2: A Walk to Danjo Garan

A Visit to Koyasan, part 1: Up the Mountain!

A Visit to Kongobuji, Part 2: The Dragon Garden

A Visit to Kongobuji, Part 1

Breakfast on Koyasan: A Meal at Kumagaiji

Kōyasan: The Heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan

Kobo Daishi – the Founder of Esoteric Buddhism in Japan