🐉THE 7 WONDERS OF EIKAN-DŌ🪹
Like many holy sites in Kyōto, Eikan-dō (永観堂) once proudly boasted of its '7 Wonders' (七不思議). This list of miraculous spots and objects acted as an early form of promotion to attract pilgrims (and their money).
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Camellia Tea Ceremony
in reply to Camellia Tea Ceremony • • •1) THE LOOKING BACK AMIDA🤨
Eikan-dō is perhaps best known for its 77cm tall statue of Amida looking back over his shoulder ('Mikaeri-Amida' 見返り阿弥陀).
Having been locked away from the public in Tōdai-ji's treasure house, when he left the temple Yōkan took the image with him.
Camellia Tea Ceremony
in reply to Camellia Tea Ceremony • • •Tōdai-ji monks tried to pull the image away from Yōkan, but it mysteriously stuck to his back, and eventually they gave up.
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Camellia Tea Ceremony
in reply to Camellia Tea Ceremony • • •At this time the statue was like most images of Amida, depicted facing forward. This changed on a freezing February 15th 1082.
As was his routine, Yōkan (then 50) was circling the statue whilst chanting the nenbutsu (calling out Amida's name).
Cold and tired, his pace grew slow.
Camellia Tea Ceremony
in reply to Camellia Tea Ceremony • • •Amida turned, looked over his left shoulder, and said "Yōkan, don't dawdle!".
Yōkan quickened his pace, & worshipped with the real Amida!
Camellia Tea Ceremony
in reply to Camellia Tea Ceremony • • •After prayer Amida returned to statue form, but with his head forever glancing over his shoulder.
To Yōkan the looking back gesture confirmed that Amida would take care of everyone that called upon him, regardless of their faith, circumstance, or status in life.
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Camellia Tea Ceremony
in reply to Camellia Tea Ceremony • • •The 'Garyū-rō' (臥龍廊 'Reclining Dragon Corridor') curls gently from the Kaizan-dō (開山堂) up the hillside, like the spine of a dragon.
Constructed in 1504 without the use of a single nail, the roofed staircase was repaired in the Shōwa period.
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