Shishinkaku
Often, when he needed moments of silence and peace, he would climb to the high summit of Mt. Minobu. There, he would gaze toward the distant skies over Kominato and think of his childhood home and of his parents who were now gone from him. Years later, the "Yearning-after-the-parents-and-home-hall" (Shi-shin-kaku) was built on this spot, and it has remained there to this day.
quote from "NICHIREN Leader of Buddhist Reformation in Japan" by J.A. Christensen available at the NBIC bookstore.
The beginning of the trail is directly behind the Hondo of Kuon Ji.
The first stop was at a shrine to Kishimojin. Unfortunately the minister was in a memorial service so we chanted Jigage and Odaimoku in front of the Hondo then continued on.
Our next stop would be at the shrine to Shakamuni. This shrine was taken care of by a group of Nuns who took turns coming up and caring for it. The Nun was very friendly and happy to see our group. We would do service in the wonderful hall.
Look at the picture above and notice the size of the statue of the standing Shakamuni Buddha. Behind the statue is over 1000 small standing Shakamuni Buddha statues.
As we did service I noticed a small reliquary at the foot of the large Shakamuni statue. When we asked about it the Nun was happy that we had noticed. It contained relics of Shakamuni Buddha which will be placed in the new Stupa being built just at the top of the Bodaitei (steps of enlightenment) at Kuon Ji. The relics were being stored at this shrine until completion of the Stupa.
After our service and rest we continued on. The views from the trail of Mt. Fuji were spectacular.
Our next stop would be at a shrine to protective deities of the Dharma. (above) We stand in front of the shrine to Daikoku. At this location is also a shrine to the Sun, Moon and Stars.
After this stop there would be no more Shrines or Temples for stops. There is a shrine that is being rebuilt at this time but is not open yet. We rested as the mountain seemed to get steeper at this point or it could have been us getting tired. The sound of our chanting and drumming was soon heard again as we set out on the last leg of the journey.
(above) The last loop of the trail before we reach Shishinkaku.
(below) Standing in front of the gate to Shishinkaku.
Shishinkaku Altar. The six senior ministers are to either side of the main Altar. (below)
Entrance to Shishinkaku
