Interview with Chief Priest Shigatani Shinsaku
Seigan-ji, located in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki City.
I spoke with Chief Priest Shigatani Shinsaku.
Can you tell us about the history of Seigan-ji?
Chief Priest Shigatani
Seigan-ji was restored by the monk Sakuden, who entered various dilapidated temples and revitalized them.
It is said that around 1600, he persuaded the townspeople of Kurashiki to restore the previous Seigan-ji.
Monk Sakuden is also known as the founder of rakugo.
The current Seigan-ji was established around 1800.
Originally opened as a temple of the Tendai sect, there are no records remaining from the Genpei era to the first generation, so the details are unclear.
During the Edo period, it is said that the Tokugawa shogunate protected the Jodo sect, and due to connections with a chief priest from Kyoto, there were ties to the imperial family.
Additionally, Seigan-ji served as a local government-like role in the Bichu region, alternating with Genchu-ji in Kasaoka City.
I heard there is a building called Tobai Tenmangu on the premises?
Chief Priest Shigatani
Due to the influence of the Haibutsu Kishaku (abolition of Buddhism) that occurred in the early Meiji period, only the hall from the Kurashiki magistrate's office was relocated to the current site.
The reason is not well understood.
Originally a Hachiman shrine, the main hall has doves, the messengers of the gods, carved on both sides.
When we hear about the abolition of Buddhism, it gives the impression that temples and shrines were separated, but at Seigan-ji, it feels like they were combined.
I was curious about the quince placed in front of the mountain gate. What is the thought behind it?
Chief Priest Shigatani
There is a large quince tree on the premises, and its fruit can be used for quince liqueur, jam, and it has a pleasant scent, making it suitable for air fresheners.
Respectfully and intimately.
It's not something special; I hope it brings joy to everyone, so I have placed it here.
Please feel free to take some home.
What is the Jodo sect? Please tell me.
Chief Priest Shigatani
I want you to realize that you already have a connection with the Buddha.
It may be a characteristic of the Jodo sect, but you can worship, not just the monk, but everyone can do it.
In daily life, you may become dirty.
However, I want you to realize that by worshiping, you can become pure yourself.
Even when holding a memorial service in the main hall of Seigan-ji, there is no separation between the inner and outer sanctuaries, especially between the monk and the parishioners; I hope everyone can receive blessings directly from the Buddha.
This also connects to the teachings of Honen, who emphasized salvation for the general populace.
Conclusion
Seigan-ji is located within the Honmachi shopping district, making it a familiar place.
Please take a peek at Seigan-ji from the mountain gate and feel the atmosphere. Just that alone will make you feel the historical significance of the temple.
Moreover, the five lines indicated on the wall of Seigan-ji represent the connection with the imperial family, and the highest rank is indicated by five lines.
While imagining the history related to the "Kagakudani Conspiracy" and "Fujiwara Narichika," which occurred at the end of the Heian period, I hope you can feel a piece of Kurashiki's history by learning about Seigan-ji, which has deep ties to the imperial family.
Data on Seigan-ji
| Name | Seigan-ji |
|---|---|
| Alternate Name | Bukkosan Narichikai-in |
| Sect | Jodo sect |
| Location | 2-25-36 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-6318 |
| Parking | None |
| Principal Deity | Amida Nyorai |
| Temple Seal (Offering Fee) | None |
| Visiting Hours | Events open to the public are as follows: ・December 31│New Year's Eve Bell ・April 8│Hanamatsuri: A Buddhist event where sweet tea is poured over the statue of the baby Buddha prepared in front of the mountain gate |
