also at saisyouji Photo

Photographer’s Note

This small temple building houses Japan's oldest
self-mummified body〈即身仏〉 of a buddhist monk
Kouchi-houin〈弘智法印〉 (circa 1297~1363),
who had chosen to mummy himself by
cutting down daily intakes to nuts and grass only
over the period of ten years.

His holy body - seated, in a monk's ceremonial attire -
is a symbol of strong will and perseverance, and is open to
public viewing three times a day (fee: 500 yen).

Giving a prayer in front of him will help you achieve your goal,
so it is believed.

At Saisyouji〈西生寺〉, Teradomari〈寺泊〉, Niigata.

trekks, jusninasirun has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jusninasirun (10076) 2008-03-30 20:05

Hello Kei. Very interesting story behind the image. I wish to know more about this self-mummified monk. Does this mean that he was in the mummy costume (monk's ceremonial attire) for 10 years before he became mummy? Excellent wooden architecture with intricate design. Thanks for sharing this Kit. Regards. Jusni

marek-mzungu (480) 2008-04-08 7:08

there is so much detail in yr photo
best grds
marek

trekks (14260) 2008-04-13 0:29

hello Kei

I made a trip to Japan only once where I visited the oldest wooden shrine in Kyoto and it was built without a single nail. Japanese culture is so unique and fascinating. I remember watching a TV mini-series shot in Japan starring Richard Chamberlain and it really gave me a detail insight of Japanese history, tradition and culture.

Your photo is showing classic detail of Japanese architecture with sculpture and carvings. I know one of reasons for wooden and low buildings in Japan is because of typhoon and earthquake.

TFS, bill