The treasure storehouse where Nichiren Shonin's writings are kept. The vaults entrance leads to a staircase going down to the vault below ground. The vault is only opened once a year in late October for viewing of the artifacts and treasures.
Hokekyo Ji
Shochuzan Hokekyo-ji Temple
2-10-1 Nakayama Ichikawa-shi, Chiba-ken
Nichiren Shonin avoided the Matsubagayatsu Persecution by going to Shimousa with the support of Jonin Toki, the head of Gozoku (prominent family) in Wakamiya as well as a devoted follower. In August of 1260, the Hokke-do (later Hokke-ji) was built within Toki's residence. Nichiren Shonin had offered his 100-day sit-in lecture there between the end of the year and spring. Accordingly this temple is regarded as the sacred site of Honge Shoten Borin (Nichiren Shonin's first preaching of the Dharma). Another follower in nearby Nakayama, Jomyo Ohta, built Jibutsu-do (later Honmyo-ji) on his property. Jibutsu-do was blessed by Nichiren Shonin when its construction was completed. Hokekyou-ji was founded in August of 1260. Jonin Toki became a priest after Nichiren Shonin passed away in 1282 and changed his name to Nichijo. The following year he entered Honmyo-ji when Jomyo passed away. In 1297, Nichijo decided to keep all documents left by Nichiren Shonin at the temple in order to protect them; these documents have been kept safely at Shogyo-den until this day. When Nichijo passed away, the son of Jomyo, Nichiko, became the second priest of Hokke-ji and established Honmyo-ji as well. From this point on, the main priest oversees both temples in a system known as Ryozan Isshusei (one head priest for the two temples). After Nichiko passed away, Nichiyu became the third priest of Hokke-ji and Honmyo-ji and he invited another Tanesada Chiba to head the congregation. Tanesada generously contributed a large land to the temple to secure the temple's financial situation. Nichiyu vigorously spread the Dharma, chanting of the Lotus Sutra, copying the Sutra as well as built a Shoja (a dwelling place for diligent practitioners). He also made many pilgrimages to Mt. Minobu. These visits resulted in financial support from the family of Nikka (originally from Musashinokuni Mutsuura) for Mt. MInobu. Nichiyu also gathered documents written by Nichiren Shonin and created an index of them. He established some systems within the organization such as Shiinkasei and Doshishokusei.
This line of Nakayama-monryu (the lineage of Nakayama) has contributed to the Nichiren-shu from Nanboku-cho era to Muromachi-era by developing extraordinary priests: Haniya Myosen Nichiei, Kenpon Hokke-shu Nichiju, Honpo-ji Nabekamuri Nisshin, and Chomyo-ji Nisshuku. Hokke-ji and Honmyo-ji were united during Sengoku-era and formed Hokekyo-ji. The eleventh priest of Nichiden was exiled to Hagi (current Yamaguchi) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which led to the formation of Sanzan Rinban Sei (the system of taking turns to take care of the three temples) among Kyoto Komyo-ji, Honpo-ji, and Sakai Myokoku-ji. During early Meiji-era in 19th centuary, Buddhism in Japan was prosecuted as a result of Haibutsu Kishaku (the anti-Buddhist movement that led to the destruction of Buddhist temples and images). After the World War II Hokekyo-ji established Nakayama Myoshu and rejoined Nichiren-shu in 1973.
The temple is also well-known all over Japan as Kito Reijo (a sacred site of Kito blessing) for three Hiho (esoteric methods of practice.) First people visit here to pray at Kishimo-jin. It is said that Nichiren Shonin came to this place to avoid Komatsubara Persecution; carved the statue of Kishimo-jin, and taught Toki Jonin the hidden teachings of this diety. In Edo era, this statue was called Nakayama Kishimo-jin and worshiped by many people who wished to have Genze Riyaku (benefits in this life such as good health, child rearing and so on.)
This temple is the place for Aragyo (100-day ascetic practice.) In order to become a Shuhosshi (certified priest to perform Kito blessing) of Nichiren-shu, one must complete 100-day training beginning on November 1 at Nichiren-shu Kegyosho to receive hidden teaching. This training includes a famously difficult session called Kanchu Suigyo, practice of cold water purification in winter.
Finally there is a hidden teaching of Bokken Kaji (Kito blessing with wooden sword), a method of Kito blessing practiced only by Shuhosshi who have completed Aragyo training. The prayer summons up Kishimo-jin which allows people the peace in their hearts and minds with which to pray for the Rissho Ankoku, establishing peaceful country with right teaching.
The temple holds various historically significant structures. Soshi-do (founder's hall), designated Juyo Bunka-zai (a national cultural treasure) was rebuilt in Enpo-era (1673-81). Hokke-do, built in Muromachi-era, is the oldest structure and believed to be the main structure of Honmyo-ji. The Goju-no-to (the five story pagoda,) built in 1622, is also a national treasure. There is a substantial addition, Shogyo-den built in 1931. Others structures of note are: Kishimojin-do, Aragyo-do, and Joshuden (the guest house.)
The temple maintains numerous sacred and national cultural treasures: Kokuho "Rissho Ankoku Ron," Kokuho "Kanjin Honzon-sho," and Nichiren Shonin's documents in 56 volumes and others. These are exhibited to the public only once a year on November 3. Countless numbers of historical documents, the statue of Nichiren Shonin, all other priests' statues, statues of the Buddha, pictures all date back to the Middle Ages.
The treasure storehouse where Nichiren Shonin's writings are kept. The vaults entrance leads to a staircase going down to the vault below ground. The vault is only opened once a year in late October for viewing of the artifacts and treasures.
Coming down from the treasure storehouse area. The walkway, above are heads, is shown in the map between buildings 7 and 8. We would use this walkway as we are given a tour and history of the Temple by one of the ministers of Hokekyoji. The photo below is of us standing behind the Shoshido (7 on the map) looking up at several Temple buildings as the minister explains about these buildings (23, 24, 22).
Heading back toward toward the Hondo and Reception Hall.
The Arragyo Do Entrance building.
Heading back toward the main gate. The weather is a little drizzly but this does not put a damper on our group.
Back to find the Bus.