A Sacred Site in Japan
It is in the early hours of the morning, and a stone path ahead winds through the ancient forest of giant redwood and pine trees. The air is crisp and earthy, as gentle rays of sun begin to make their way through the treetops, landing below on thousands of carved stone memorials, a stream, and lush vegetation.
Whether painted with autumn leaves, covered in winter snow, or abound with spring blossoms, this is considered one of the holiest places in Japan.
The mountain, known as Mount Koya and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, peaks at 2,960 feet above sea level. It has 8 peaks and a basin which resemble a lotus flower, and throughout its landscape are 117 temples, some that date back to more than 1,200 years ago.
In the year 816 AD, a monk by the name of Kukai (now known as Kobo Daishi), founded Shingon Buddhism and a temple on this mountain as a site for he and his adherents to pray for the health and prosperity of Japan and its society. It is said that he chose Mount Kaya because of its resemblance to a lotus flower, determining that it made it a prosperous location, and for more than 1,200 years, this monastery, known as Koyasan, has flourished.
Today, 52 of the temples on the mountain are open to overnight guests. If you visit one, you will notice that their beliefs place an emphasis on daily ritual as a means of reaching enlightenment in an immediate, practicable way. At 6:30 am each morning, the monks have a morning service to show daily appreciation to Buddhist saints and pray for their ancestors' souls. This practice is said to let ancestors rest in peace and bring rewards to the present. At 7:00 am each morning, the monks participate in a fire ritual. It is performed for the benefit of individuals, the state or all sentient beings in general. The consecrated fire is believed to have a powerful cleansing effect spiritually and psychologically. The fire symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha and the wood sticks symbolize human desires (the root of suffering). Guests are invited to quietly witness the rituals each day.
Set within the giant trees is the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, where he is believed to be resting in eternal meditation, awaiting the Buddha of the Future, and providing relief to those who ask for salvation. Wishing to be close to Kobo Daishi in death to receive salvation, this forest is home now to more than 200,000 memorials and statues, including moss-covered headstones of important national figures throughout the centuries. As Buddhism values all forms of life, not all of the memorials belong to human beings. The writings on one headstone translate to "R.I.P. Ants" and another is a pest control company's memorial to all of the termites that their products have been exterminating.
Join us in one of the most advanced countries and discover part of the ancient world that a tourist will never find. We'll be there in March 2021. For more information, please reach out to us.
As always, thank you for your confidence and trust in Venture Road. We'll see you soon.