Sekizan Zen-in, Buddhist temple in Sakyō-ku, Japan
Sekizan Zen-in is a temple in Sakyō-ku with a main prayer hall topped by a monkey statue and large juzu prayer bead rings that visitors can walk through. The sanctuary preserves traditional architectural elements and provides space for devotional practices.
Founded in 888 by priest An'e following Ennin's vow, this temple maintains strong ties to Hieizan Enryakuji, the principal center of Tendai Buddhism. The founding was part of a broader effort to establish the Tendai tradition across the region.
The temple honors Sekizan Daimyojin, a Japanese interpretation of the Chinese deity Taizanfukun, and forms part of the Miyako Shichifukujin pilgrimage route. Visitors can observe how people come to pay respect and participate in local spiritual traditions.
The temple sits near Kyoto Shugakuin Imperial Villa and is accessible by taking the Eizan Line to Shugakuin station, followed by a pleasant walk. The surrounding area offers other temples and natural scenery worth exploring during your visit.
The temple holds an annual Juzu Kuyo ritual on November 23rd to honor and provide memorial services for prayer beads that have reached the end of their use. This ceremony reflects how the community treats worn objects with reverence and acknowledges their spiritual journey.
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