Nison-in Temple

Overview

Nison-in is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Saga Nisoninmonzen Nagakami-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. Its mountain name is Mount Kogura, and its temple name is Kedai-ji. The principal images are Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni Buddha) and Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). It is also known as Kogurayama Nison-kyoin Kedai-ji (Ogura-yama Nison-kyouin Kedai-ji) and Nison-kyouin Kedai-ji. The temple's name, Nison-in, derives from the two principal Buddha statues: "Hakyaku no Shaka" (Shakyamuni Buddha who sends forth his disciples) and "Raigou no Amida" (Amitabha Buddha who welcomes the dying). According to tradition, Nison-in was established during the early Heian period, in the Jōwa era (834-847), by order of Emperor Saga, and built by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi). After periods of decline, it was revived in the early Kamakura period by the third abbot, Tanku, a high-ranking disciple of Honen. It became a place of study for four Buddhist sects: Tendai, Shingon, Ritsu, and Jodo. The Jodo sect, however, held significant influence, making Nison-in a stronghold of the Saga Montu (Saga followers of the Pure Land sect). Tanku also served as the religious preceptor for Emperors Tsuchimikado and Gosaga. During the Karoku Disturbance of 1227, the remains of Honen were moved from his mausoleum to Nison-in, protected by a group of samurai from the Rokuhara Tandai to keep them safe from Tendai sect warriors. The fourth abbot, Eiku, served as the religious preceptor for four emperors: Emperor Go-Fukakusa, Emperor Kameyama, Emperor Go-Uda, and Emperor Fushimi. From the Northern and Southern Courts period, it was one of the Gokkuro Shika-in (four temples of the inner palace), officiating in Buddhist ceremonies within the Imperial Palace until the Meiji Restoration. Consequently, many tombs of court nobles from the Takasugi and Nijo families are located there. During the Muromachi period, the temple's buildings were completely destroyed by fire during the Ōnin War. The main hall and the Karamon gate were rebuilt approximately 30 years later, in 1521 (Eisei 18), during the time of the 16th abbot, Eko Shonin, who served as the religious preceptor for Emperor Go-Nara, thanks to funds raised by Sanjo Nishi Sanetaka. From the late Edo period, the temple belonged to the Tendai sect and is counted as one of the "Saga Sanmeiseki" (Three Famous Sites of Saga). The approach to the temple, called "Momiji no Baba" (Maple Leaf Field), is renowned for its autumn foliage. Further in, lies the site traditionally believed to be the former location of Shiguretei, the teahouse of Fujiwara no Teika, associated with the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets). It is also traditionally believed to be the birthplace of sweet bean paste (koguran). Nison-in offers a tranquil space where history and nature harmonize. It's the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.