About "Shakyo"

Shakyo means to transcribe sutras in which Buddhist teachings are explained.

Originally written in Sanskrit, the sutras were translated into the languages of many countries, transcribed, and spread in order to spread the teachings of Buddha. In Japan, sutra copying was a national project with the establishment of government-run sutra copying centers in the Nara period (710-794), and Buddhism was spread throughout the country along with the sutras. After the Heian period (794-1185), sutra copying became a personal practice for the fulfillment of wishes, and sutra mounds were sometimes built in which the copied sutras were buried.

Typical sutras copied today include the Heart Sutra and the Kannon Sutra. The Gohogyo is also sometimes copied.

In sutra copying, one copy of a Buddhist scripture is made word for word. It is said that there are various merits (benefits) associated with the practice of sutra copying, which takes longer than reading sutras out loud.

By performing sutra chanting, you can make offerings to your ancestors.

It also has the merit of fulfilling wishes in this world, since Emperor Saga performed sutra chanting during an epidemic and the plague subsided.

In addition, by leaving one's daily routine behind and concentrating on sutra chanting, one can practice self-discipline.

In February 2021, a forest fire broke out at the end of February and damaged many Buddhist statues and cultural assets, including the main deity, Bishamonten, requiring their restoration.

Click here for more information on wildfires and evacuation.

Due to the great cost of restoration, Oiwa Bishamonten is holding a Buddhist sutra recitation.

Date & Time: 4th Sunday of every month, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (last admission)

Cost: 2,000 yen

Content: One scroll of Hannya Shingyo sutra copying (with matcha green tea reception)

*At the end of the sutra chanting, we ask you to write down your wishes. We will read out your "name" and "prayer" during the goma-shugyo at 5:30 the next morning, burn the sutra, and deliver it to Bishamonten-sama.

What to bring: Writing materials are available for loan. If you have your own tools, please bring them.