#hie taisha

[crazyfox-archives]

A hanging scroll of the Hie Sanno Mandara (日吉山王曼荼羅), a mandala depicting the local deities of Hie Jinja Shrine (日吉神社), i.e. present-day Hiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine (日吉大社) in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, as manifestations of the Buddhist divinities of Mount Hiei (比叡山) north of Kyoto, with the deities and divinities matched up throughout the landscape of the mountain

Color on silk dating to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) from the collection of Hyakusaiji Temple (百済寺) in Higashiōmi, Shiga Prefecture

Image from "Shintō: The Sacred Art of Ancient Japan" edited by Victor Harris, published by the British Museum Press. 2001, page 173

[noticiasarquelogicasjaponesas]

Sean bienvenidos a una nueva publicación en la cual aclararemos las diferencias entre un templo y un santuario japonés dicho esto pónganse cómodos que empezamos. - Seguramente, todos hemos visto alguna vez en fotos templos y santuarios que están por todo el archipiélago nipón y más de una vez nos hemos preguntado: ¿Cuáles son las diferencias entre ellos? - Primero la palabra santuario ¿Qué significa?: Es el lugar en el que los japoneses adoran a todos los kamis por lo cual cada uno tiene el suyo propio, también cabe destacar que puede ser una montaña un lago ect.. Cuando buscamos esta palabra en español, hace referencia a un templo,entonces ¿Cuáles son las principales diferencias? la principal sería que los santuarios sintoístas, disponen de una puerta principal llamada torii a diferencia de los templos budistas, que disponen de una pagoda. Ejemplos de templos budistas por ciudades Templo de Kiyomizu-dera (Kioto) Templo Kinkakuji (Kioto) Templo Senso-ji (Tokio) Templo de Hokokuji (Kamakura) Templo Todai-ji (Nara) Templo de Sanjusangendo (Kioto - Santuarios japoneses por ciudades: Santuario de Ise – Ciudad de Ise Santuario Meiji – Tokio Santuario Itsukushima – Miyajima Santuario Sumiyoshi Taisha – Osaka Santuario Hie Jinja – Tokio Santuario Izumo – Ciudad de Izumo - Para aclarar las dudas, entre un santuario y un templo: También hay que tener en cuenta los distintos nombres y otras de las cosas que caracterizan un templo son las siguientes : Komainu, Temizuya o chōzuya, Salas principales, Amuletos,Komainu, Temizuya el honden y el haiden. En próximos capítulos podemos hablar de cada uno de ellos, aparte de seguir realizando publicaciones de historia, arqueología, geografía entre otros temas de japón os deseo un cordial saludo. - Welcome to a new publication in which we will clarify the differences between a temple and a Japanese sanctuary. That being said, make yourself comfortable and let's get started. - Surely, we have all seen temples and sanctuaries that are all over the Japanese archipelago in photos and more than once we have asked ourselves: What are the differences between them? - First, the word sanctuary What does it mean?: It is the place where the Japanese worship all the kamis, so each one has their own, it is also worth noting that it can be a mountain, a lake, etc. When we look for this word in Spanish, it refers to a temple, so what are the main differences? The main one would be that Shinto shrines have a main door called torii. unlike Buddhist temples, which have a pagoda. Examples of Buddhist temples by city Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto) Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto) Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo) Hokokuji Temple (Kamakura) Todai-ji Temple (Nara) Sanjusangendo Temple (Kyoto) Shitennoji Temple (Osaka) - Japanese shrines by cities: Ise Shrine – Ise City Meiji Shrine – Miyajima Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine – Osaka Fushimi Inari Shrine – Kyoto Hie Jinja Shrine – Tokyo Izumo Shrine – Izumo City - To clarify doubts, between a sanctuary and a temple: We must also take into account the different names and other things that characterize a temple are the following: Komainu, Temizuya or chōzuya, Main rooms, Amulets, Komainu, Temizuya the honden and the haiden. In future chapters we can talk about each of them, apart from continuing to publish publications on history, archaeology, geography, among other topics about Japan, I wish you a cordial greeting. - 寺院と日本の聖域の違いを明確にする新しい出版物へようこそ。そうは言っても、安心して始めましょう。 - 確かに、私たちは皆、日本列島各地にある寺院や聖域を写真で見たことがあり、それらの違いは何だろうかと自問したことが一度や二度ではありません。 - まず、聖域という言葉はどういう意味ですか?: それは日本人がすべての神を崇拝する場所であり、それぞれに独自の神があり、それが山や湖などであることも注目に値します。この単語はスペイン語で寺院を指しますが、主な違いは何でしょうか? 主なものは、神社には鳥居と呼ばれる表扉があることです。 塔のある仏教寺院とは異なります。 都市別の仏教寺院の例 清水寺（京都） 金��寺（京都） 浅草寺（東京） 報国寺（鎌倉） 東大寺（奈良） 三十三間堂（京都） 四天王寺（大阪） - 都市別の日本の神社: 伊勢神宮 – 伊勢市 明治神宮 – 東京 厳島神社 – 宮島 住吉大社 – 大阪 伏見稲荷大社 – 京都 日枝神社 – 東京 出雲大社 – 出雲市 - 聖域と寺院の間の疑問を解消するには、次のような名前や寺院を特徴付けるその他のものについても考慮する必要があります: 狛犬、手水舎または手水舎、主室、お守り、狛犬、本殿と拝殿。 今後の章では、歴史、考古学、地理、その他日本に関するトピックに関する出版物の発行を続けることに加えて、それぞれのテーマについてお話します。心からご挨拶を申し上げます。

[journeytothewestresearch]

Japanese Monkey God

User @red-lights-burning asked if there was a connection between Sun Wukong and the monkey gods of Japan. They provided lovely info, which was split between two asks, but I decided to put everything together into a single post.

@red-lights-burning asked: Japan has their own monkey protector named Masaru AKA Sannō Gongen, who was created back in the early 9th century by Tendai Buddhist sect founder Saichō shortly after he returned from China. So it makes me think if Monkey King was already a thing in the 800’s and if he was one of the inspirations for Masaru. A description from onmarkproductions (a really great site for anyone curious about Japanese Buddhism and Shintō) MASARU 神猿 Literally “Kami Monkey.” Masaru is the sacred monkey and protector of the Hie Shrine (aka Hie Jinja 日吉神社, Hiyoshi Taisha 日吉大社). The term “Masura” is often translated as “excel,” reflecting the belief that this sacred monkey can overcome all obstacles and prevail against all evil. Masaru is thus considered a demon queller par excellence (魔が去る・何よりも勝る). In the Heian era, Masaru (also translated “Great Monkey”) was invoked in Kōshin rituals to stop the three worms from escaping the body. Masaru also appears in Japanese scrolls used in Koushin rites. Here’s a couple other descriptions SANNŌ GONGEN 山王 権現 SARUGAMI 猿神 Fertility, Childbirth & Marriage Monkeys are patrons of harmonious marriage and safe childbirth at some of the 3,800 Hie Jinja shrines in Japan. These shrines are often dedicated to Sannō Gongen 山王権現 (lit. = mountain king avatar), who is a monkey. Sannō is the central deity of Japan’s Tendai Shinto-Buddhist multiplex on Mt. Hiei (Shiga Prefecture, near Kyoto). The monkey is Sannou’s Shinto messenger (tsukai 使い) and Buddhist avatar (gongen 権現). The monkey messenger is also known as Sarugami (猿神; literally “monkey kami”). Sarugami is the Shinto deity to whom the three monkeys (hear, speak, see no evil) are reportedly faithful. The monkey shrine at Nakayama Shrine 中山神社 in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, is dedicated to a red monkey named Sarugami, who blesses couples with children. According to shrine legends, the local people at one time offered human sacrifices (using females) to this deity. The shrine is mentioned in the Konjaku Monogatari-shu (今昔物語集), a collection of over 1000 tales from India, China, and Japan written during the late Heian Period (794-1192 AD). Sarugami, like Sannou Gongen, is also worshipped as the deity of easy delivery and child rearing. At such shrines, statues of the monkey deity are often decked in red bibs -- a color closely associated with fertility, children, and protection against evil forces and diseases like smallpox.

My answer:

I've read only a little bit about Japanese monkey gods. I previously referenced Sarugami in my article about the possible shamanic origins of primate-based boxing in China. Part of footnote #14 reads:

In Japan, monkeys were also associated with horses and healing via the warding of evil. Apart from monkeys being kept in stables like their Chinese counterparts, their fur was applied to the harnesses and quivers of Samurai because the warriors believed it gave them more control over their mounts. Furthermore, monkey body parts have been consumed for centuries as curative medicines, and their hides have even been stuffed to make protective amulets (kukurizaru) to ward off illness. Likewise, a genre of painting depicts divine monkeys (saru gami), messengers of the mountain deity, performing Da Nuo-like dances to ensure a good rice harvest (Ohnuki-Tierney, 1987, pp. 43-50)

The aforementioned article suggests a connection between monkeys and the Shang-Zhou Da Nuo (大儺 / 難; Jp: Tsuina, 追儺) ritual, an ancient, war-like, shamanic animal dance designed to drive away demonic illness and influences. The pertinent section reads:

It’s possible that the “twelve animals” of the Da Nuo exorcism refer to some precursor of the Chinese zodiacal animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig). If true, monkey fur could have been among the animal products worn by the ritual army. After all, monkeys have long been associated with curing illness and expelling evil in East Asia. [14] A modern example of exorcists who don monkey fur are the shamans of the Qiang ethnic group of Sichuan. The Qiang worship monkeys as the source and savior of their sacred knowledge, as well as the progenitor of their people, the latter being a myth cycle common among ethnic groups of Tibet and southwestern China.

This is the only relevant info that comes to mind. But based on what I know, I would guess that Sun Wukong and the monkey gods of Japan draw upon the same cultural sources. I hope this helps.

Source:

Ohnuki-Tierney, E. (1987). The Monkey as Mirror: Symbolic Transformations in Japanese History and Ritual. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

[daeva-agas]

There’s... a few things about Hideyoshi that are conveniently relevant to Shinto shrines.

Early on someone from the Twitter skwad was talking about Toyokuni-Jinja and I helped her look up stuff from Japanese Wiki. Ieyasu got rid of the original shrine, though he respected Nene enough to let the main building stand until the place eventually just got abandoned. Another abandoned shrine, the Ima Hie Jinja, was rennovated nearby the Toyokuni’s original site. More or less to “replace it”. 

Now... “Ima Hie Jinja” is written like this: 新日吉神社. It’s... meant to be part of the “Hiyoshi Shrines” dedicated to the mountain god, though for some reason this one is given a different reading (maybe to avoid similarity to Hideyoshi’s name). An auxiliary shrine of the Hiyoshi shrines is the Juge-Jinja 樹下神社. 

Wikipedia cites some documentation of Ima Hie Jinja, saying that the modern day Toyokuni shrine was originally called 樹下神社 (the reading given is “Konomoto Jinja” here). The text said that according to legends, the shintai 神体 (main object of worship) from the Toyokuni Jinja (which would be whatever it is that they enshrined to represent the deified Hideyoshi) was moved to this Konomoto Jinja. 樹 is an “alternative” kanji of 木, both read as “ki”. So 樹下 and 日吉 together would read “Kinoshita Hiyoshi” and becomes a “secret code” that represents Hideyoshi’s name.

And... uh... people worship Hideyoshi there in secret or something... Despite Tokugawa trying to stop people from revering the Toyotomi... 

I’ve made a post about Hiyoshi Taisha a while back, and I said that apparently the “sacred animal” of the shrine are monkeys. Kind of like how Inari has the foxes. This god has monkeys. I did go through a few pics of Hiyoshi shrines myself, and they really do have monkey statues left and right. I was wondering if this what eventually gave rise to the “Hideyoshi = monkey” idea? Since this sounds very conveniently appropriate, it might darn well actually BE the source.

I don’t think the names are relevant, though, unless maybe Hideyoshi’s parents got him after praying in one of the Hiyoshi shrines and named him after it. The contention about his origins are pretty tough to wade through. 

[acrosstheoceans]

Hie Jinja is a cool shrine in Tokyo which resembles the Fushimi Inari-Taisha in Kyoto. Though the Kyoto version is much bigger, you can enjoy Hie Jinja on your own. Kyoto’s shrine is always full of tourists, but the Tokyo version is a hidden spot and tourist-free secret!

[janikbesendorf-blog]

Deciding which are the top 10 temples in Japan, a country which has many thousand temples and shrines covering its landscape, is no small task. Yet, visiting one can be a profound experience. Walking through the immaculate gardens of a Japanese temple, or passing through its threshold where pilgrims and worshipers gather, or leaving offerings just like the Japanese do, can give you an insight into the culture, traditions, and history of Japan which you won’t find anywhere else. No Japan vacation is complete without a visit to one of these top 10 temples in Japan.

To experience a religious site is to experience the real cultural center of Japan.

Religion has always been a major influence on the culture of Japan. Elements of the two most popular religions in the country, Shintoism, the indigenous religion of the country, and Buddhism, have had an impact on everything from art in Japan (you’ll notice countless pieces of religious artwork on your travels around the many shrines and temples of Japan) to Japanese politics. Indeed, during the heyday of the Japanese Empire, people believed that the emperor at the time was divine, himself a living god. This is an idea that is deeply connected to Shintoism.

To experience such a religious site on a Japan tour is to experience the real cultural center of classic Japan. If you plan to visit one or more Japanese temples, monasteries or shrines, you’re in luck, for below is a list of the top 10 temples in Japan.

Before we begin: Difference between Shrines, Temples, and Monasteries

Leaning more about the purpose and significance of each place you visit can make . your journey all the more rewarding.

Shrines in Japan, are almost exclusively Shinto, and are dedicated to the worship of a single spirit or deity. Shintoism is a religion built on ceremonies and rituals, which take place within the shrines.

Temples in Japanese are Buddhist places of worship. Buddhism may not have originated from Japan (like Shintoism does), but about 40% of the population of Japan are Buddhist with beliefs and practices of this religion deeply ingrained in everyday life.

Monasteries in Japan, like temples, are usually also Buddhist. Some forms of Buddhism are monastic, largely practiced by monks or nuns in monasteries. In places such as these, monks study, live, and worship. Many of these are open to the public and you can choose to stay in a Japanese monastery too!

Travel Tip: There is no formal dress code for visitors to Japanese temples and monasteries. However, it is important to take your shoes off before entering Buddhist temples. Normally traditional sandals are available at the entrance for you to borrow.

Discover our list of top 10 temples in Japan – bold, beautiful and historic, these may just take your breath away!

Top 10 Temples in Japan

10. Hida-Sannogu Shrine in Takayama

Hida-Sannogu located in Takayama city

The Hida-Sannogu is shaded by tall trees that seem to dwarf it. Aside from its natural beauty, the shrine is most known for its role in the Shinto Sanno Matsuri festival, one of the three most important festivals in Japan. Performed for centuries, the festival includes a long parade that snakes through Tokyo, culminating in a ceremony at the historic Hie-Jina shrine in Tokyo. The shrine also houses famous marionettes used in the festivities. While it’s much more modest than some on this list, a visit can make for a nice change of pace if you’re in the area.

9. Hasedera Temple in Kamakura

Hasedara Temple in Kamakura

Buddha statues at Hasedara Temple - the largest Buddhist pilgrimage site in the region

View of Kamakura city and Sagami Bay from Hasedara Temple

At the bottom of the hill is an old, classic Japanese garden for you to explore and unwind in.

Hasedera Temple belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is famous for housing a tall eleven headed wooden sculpture of the goddess. As the story goes, many hundreds of years ago, a monk carved twin sculptures from a camphor tree. While one was enshrined in Nara city, the other was set adrift to find its own place in the world. This second statue washed up near Kamakura and a temple was built for it. Thus, to look at the statue is to witness a real Japanese legend firsthand!

At the small museum within the temple complex you can see treasures of Japanese Buddhism and learn about the history of the temple. Then enjoy a meal or a drink in the restaurant, before soaking in the wonderful view of Kamakura from your vantage point. At the bottom of the hill is an old, classic Japanese garden for you to explore and unwind in.

8. Enryaku-ji in Kyoto

Enryakuji Temple near Kyoto

View from Mount Hiei in Kyoto Prefecture

Wooden worship board at Enryakuji Temple

Statue of a fox near Enryakuji Temple

Enryaku-Ji is a grand Buddhist Monastery located in the mountains of eastern Kyoto. It belongs to the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism and is one of the top Buddhist sites in Japan. A number of the most important and influential Buddhist monks and scholars lived, studied, and worshiped here. So, if you are interested in Japanese cultural history or Buddhist history, it’s an absolute must-visit!

Travel tip: Today the monastery complex is split into three areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa, each connected by a series of scenic walking routes. Seeing all three areas is recommended, as some are quieter than others and offer contrasting and enriching experiences.

7. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo city

Gingko tree-lined street in autumn near the Meiji shrine of Tokyo

Barrels os sake donated to the Meiji Shrine

The Meiji Jingu in Tokyo is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken. This shrine was originally constructed in 1925, six years following the death of the empress (Emperor Meiji had died earlier). It stands in a forested area of Yoyogi park, which provides a wonderful place to retreat to and relax after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. As you approach the shrine, you’ll notice a large Torii gate, which is often found in Shinto shrines. The forest around it is composed of thousands of trees donated to the shrine from worshipers all over the country.

Travel tip: Visit on the first day of the new year and you can experience Hatsumode, the first prayers at a shrine in the year. If you don’t like crowds, be warned; at Hatsumode, a million people visit the shrine. But this is a key date in the Shinto Calendar, and if you are looking to experience religious life in Japan, it is not to be missed.

6. Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto

Sunset at Kiyomizu Temple in cherry blossom season

Kiyomizu temple in autumn season

National park around Kiyomizu temple

Though this temple is located well within eastern Kyoto, it peeks out through lush green woodland, and pink cherry blossom. Drink from the small, clean waterfall at the bottom of the temple – its waters are believed to possess many spiritual benefits such as longevity, success, and love (drinking too much is seen as greedy!). The temple is actually named after the waterfall; its name “Kiyomizu” means “pure water”. Just off the main hall is a large wooden stage which gives you a picturesque view of Kyoto and the beautiful scenery around you. It is truly a peaceful place to visit during your Japan holiday.

5. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Torii gates at the Fushimi Inara shrine

The Fushimi Inara shrine in Kyoto

At the main gate of Fushimi Inara

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is also located in Kyoto. This shrine, in particular, is famous for its tunnel of red Torii gates, which lead to the main complex. The shrine is located at the foot of Mount Inari – a part of the shrine’s grounds.

The main walk to the top of the mountain is a pilgrimage route, and walking up it, you’ll likely see dozens of small statues and smaller shrines. Much of the route is under the cover of a long row of Torii gates. Hiking up and back may take some time and effort but combining this with a visit to the shrine can make for a great day out. What’s more, at the top of the mountain, you’re rewarded with a grand view of Kyoto.

4. Classic Japan at the Itsukushima Shrine

Centuries-old Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima island in Japan

Floating Gate of Itsukushima

Itsukushima Shrine

It’s famous Torii gate appears to almost float on the water during high tide like a mystical island.

The Itsukushima shrine in Hiroshima is visually rather striking. It constructed on a small inlet, a few meters from the coast. This unique location ensures that the shrine’s red color contrasts brilliantly with the blue seawater, and the green woodland nearby. When you look at it from the mainland shrine complex, it’s famous Torii gate appears to almost float on the water during high tide like a mystical island. Interestingly, the way the shrine appears to almost float, isn’t just a piece of design excellence, but was a conscious attempt by the original architect and builders to avoid disturbing the spirits who are said to inhabit the island – this shrine itself is dedicated to these spirits!

Since 1996, the shrine has been a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its history, its beautiful and harmonious architecture and its impact on Japanese culture. Today you can explore the shrine from the network of wooden walkways connecting all of the buildings in the complex.

Travel tip: can also explore the site from the comfort of a cruise which passes by the famous shrine.

3. Nezu Shrine in Tokyo

Nezu shrine in Tokyo

The grounds around Nezu shrine

Bunkyo Azalea Festival at the Nezu shrine

The Nezu shrine of Tokyo is located in the center of a gorgeous Japanese garden. It’s one of the oldest shrines in the city, dating back to 1705, and is almost certainly the most beautiful. You can approach it through an avenue of Torii gates which lead, through the trees, to the shrine proper. The building is in true Japanese style, with a pleasing juxtaposition of red, gold, and green, and a still water pond of Japanese carp at the foot of the shrine. Even to those not interested in Japanese religion or culture, visiting the shrine is a must due to its sheer beauty.

Travel Tip: Every April, people from across Tokyo and beyond flock to the shrine for the Bunkyo Azalea Festival to see blooms in vibrant shades of pink all around.

2. Senso-ji Temple at Asakusa in Tokyo

Sensoji Temple in Tokyo

Large Red Lantern at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo

Sensoji Temple against the Tokyo skyline

Over a thousand years old, the Senso-Ji temple in Tokyo is the oldest in the city and certainly the most famous. For many centuries, pilgrims from all over Japan have flocked to this site. Most of the modern structure was rebuilt after World War II. Despite this, it remains a place of outstanding historic and cultural significance – its reconstruction was seen as a metaphor for the country’s rebirth following the war. Much of this functioning Buddhist temple complex in Tokyo is open to the public and is a joy to explore. Most of the buildings are bright crimson in color and each is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.

Travel Tip: Thanks to its central location, the Senso-Ji can be very easily accessed from anywhere in Tokyo.

1. Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion in Tokyo

Kinkakuji in winter

You’ll notice that each floor has an entirely different architectural style. It seems the more you look at it, the more you see.

The shining Kinkakuji Temple in northern Kyoto rests on the bank of a large pond and is flanked by lush trees and bushes, giving it a sense of tranquility. When you approach, your eyes will be drawn to the way the second and third floors are literally covered in gold which shines and glistens in the sun. Looking closer you’ll notice that each floor has an entirely different architectural style. It seems the more you look at it, the more you see. Although some parts of the temple are closed to the public, even simply walking around it and discovering the lush greenery around you is more than worth the effort.

Visit the most beautiful and historic monasteries, shrines and top 10 temples in Japan at your own pace. With a luxury tour of Japan tailored to you, immerse yourself in the culture and history of these great sites.

The post Top 10 Temples in Japan appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

[lycoris-karma]

国之常立神

Kuni-no-Tokotachi-no-Kami

「What is the earthly stage on which you stand? What are the clothes you wear? Who is the character you are playing? Step down now from the stage. Sit back and watch your story unfold. I will present you an enjoyable experience.」

Themes: Enjoyment; Opportunity; Mushin;

Enshrined at: Otori Jinja; Hie Jinja; Kumano Hayatam Taisha; Mushika Jinja; Tamaki Jinja;

Oracle by Yuriko Ohno,illustrations by Mai Ohno.

[crazyfox-archives]

A hanging scroll of the Hie Sanno Miya Mandara (日吉山王宮曼荼羅), a mandala depicting the local deities of Hie Jinja Shrine (日吉神社), i.e. present-day Hiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine (日吉大社) in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, as manifestations of the Buddhist divinities of Mount Hiei (比叡山) north of Kyoto, with the deities and divinities matched up above and the two institutions situated geographically below

Ink and color on silk dating to the late 14th century, from the collection of the Nara National Museum