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More than twenty temples and halls of Engakuji monastery stand along a valley which is called Kamakura unique YATO formed by erosion. You may see the magnificent temple compound with height difference where the placement gradually climbs along the main gate SANMON, next BUTSUDEN, and towards HOJO.
Click red color letters for more information.
SANMON represents San-Gedatsu-Mon, and is believed to clear away many kleshas (worldly desires).
The existing SANMON was rebuilt by SEISETSU SHUCHO in 1785, that was the great year of the 500th Anniversary of the Foundation. The calligraphy of “ENGAKU KOSHO ZENJI （円覚興聖禅寺）” on the gate was written by the Emperor Fushimi（1265〜1317）. The Upper floor enshrines Eleven-Faced Kannon, Twelve Heavenly Generals, and Sixteen Lakan , where every year on June 18th, a ceremony to confess to Kannon is held.
BUTSUDEN is the main building where the ENGAKUJI’s principal image of BUDDHA (寶冠釈迦如来像) is enshrined. It was collapsed by the Great Kanto Earthquake(1923) and was rebuilt in 1964. BUTSUDEN is sometimes called DAIKOMYO HODEN, the Treasure House of the Great Shining Light.
SENBUTSUJO was the Zen Meditation Dojo for monks before the Dojo was relocated to SHOZOKUIN in the 18th century. Today SENBUTSUJO is used for some rituals and local prayer meetings with an image of YAKUSHI NYORAI enshrined.
Following lively movement of Koji-Zen in ENGAKUJI since the 19th century, KOJIRIN was opened as the Zen Practice Dojo for koji (the laity) in 1922.
HOJO was originally intended as the small dwelling for the abbot but gradually expanded. HOJO is now used for numerous functions of ENGAKUJI, for example of Buddhist memorial services, Sunday Preach meetings, Zen Meetings, Summer Session, and so on.
MYOKO-CHI (MYOKO pond) was constructed at the beginning days of ENGAKUJI as a houjo-chi pond where animals or fishes are released into. Today’s view is restored based on an old picture map.
National Treasure
In ENGAKUJI’s SHARIDEN, BUDDHA’s tooth worshiped as “BUTSUGE SHARI” is enshrined, and on the far side of the magnificent SHARIDEN, KAISANDO stands as a worship hall for ENGAKUJI’s founder MUGAKU SOGEN(1226-1286).
The remarkable characteristics of SHARIDEN as National Treasure can be seen in various points, for example the beauty of the curve of an incline and the eaves of the roof. Thanks to the “Ougi-Taruki (rafters with Japanese fan shape)” supporting the eaves and whole roof, SHARIDEN looks more magnificent than the actual size.
The simple shape of windows frame (called as “Katou-Mado”) is typical of late Kamakura Era
National Treasure
The OGANE cast by the order of HOJO SADATOKI (the successor regent of HOJO TOKIMUNE) in 1301 is the largest bell in Kanto region (the southeast region of Japan including Tokyo).
The construction of BENRENDO nearby OGANE was dedicated to Enoshima’s BENZAITEN when HOJO SADATOKI succeeded in casting OGANE (Grand Bell) after much difficulty.
SANMON represents San-Gedatsu-Mon, and is believed to clear away many kleshas (worldly desires).
The existing SANMON was rebuilt by SEISETSU SHUCHO in 1785, that was the great year of the 500th Anniversary of the Foundation. The calligraphy of “ENGAKU KOSHO ZENJI （円覚興聖禅寺）” on the gate was written by the Emperor Fushimi（1265〜1317）. The Upper floor enshrines Eleven-Faced Kannon, Twelve Heavenly Generals, and Sixteen Lakan , where every year on June 18th, a ceremony to confess to Kannon is held.
BUTSUDEN is the main building where the ENGAKUJI’s principal image of BUDDHA (寶冠釈迦如来像) is enshrined. It was collapsed by the Great Kanto Earthquake(1923) and was rebuilt in 1964. BUTSUDEN is sometimes called DAIKOMYO HODEN, the Treasure House of the Great Shining Light.
The ENGAKUJI’s principal image of BUDDHA (宝冠釈迦如来像) is enshrined with a sacred crown and is also called as VAIROCANA-BUDDHA（盧遮那仏）symbolizing KEGON（華厳）, the Great Universe filled with light of wisdom and mercy.
The calligraphy of “Dai Koumyo Houden（大光明寶殿）” was written by the Emperor Gokougon（1338-1371）
The White Dragon on the ceiling was painted by Tadashi Moriya(1912-2003) under the supervision of Seison Maeda(1885-1977) .
SENBUTSUJO was rebuilt in 1699 and as the Zen Meditation Dojo for monks.
The image of YAKUSHI NYORAI and the image of KANNON BOSATSU are enshrined.
YAKUSHI NYORAI (the Northern and Southern Dynasties, 14c)
KANNON BOSATSU
“KOJI” means laities who devote themselves to ZEN practice and “KOJIRIN” is a specialized dojo studio for KOJI. (※ under reconstruction for the present)
HOJO was originally intended as the small dwelling for the abbot but gradually expanded. HOJO is now used for numerous functions of ENGAKUJI, for example of Buddhist memorial services, Sunday Preach meetings, Zen Meetings, Summer Session, and so on.
An old tree of “byakushin” in the front garden of HOJO is said to be planted by the Engakuji’s Founder.
A beautiful pond of “Shinji-Ike” in the shape of a Chinese character of “心”（Heart）is in the back garden of HOJO.
MYOKO-CHI (MYOKO pond) was constructed at the beginning days of ENGAKUJI as a houjo-chi pond where animals or fishes are released into. Today’s view is restored based on an old picture map.
In ENGAKUJI’s SHARIDEN, BUDDHA’s tooth worshiped as “BUTSUGE SHARI” is enshrined, and on the far side of the magnificent SHARIDEN, KAISANDO stands as a worship hall for ENGAKUJI’s founder MUGAKU SOGEN(1226-1286).
The remarkable characteristics of SHARIDEN as National Treasure can be seen in various points, for example the beauty of the curve of an incline and the eaves of the roof. Thanks to the “Ougi-Taruki (rafters with Japanese fan shape)” supporting the eaves and whole roof, SHARIDEN looks more magnificent than the actual size.
The simple shape of windows frame (called as “Katou-Mado”) is typical of late Kamakura Era.
The OGANE cast by the order of HOJO SADATOKI (the successor regent of HOJO TOKIMUNE) in 1301 is the largest bell in Kanto region (the southeast region of Japan including Tokyo).
The OGANE cast by a founder Mononobe-no-Kunimitsu represents the latter period of the Kamakura era, with a majestic shape and delicate details.
“The Era by the Emperor and the General lasts long, which is in perfect harmony with the great nature of wind and rain, and benefits the Nation's peace and People's happiness.”
（the signature by SEIKAN-SHIDON(西澗子曇), the 6th Head Priest of ENGAKUJI）
The construction of BENRENDO nearby OGANE was dedicated to Enoshima’s BENZAITEN when HOJO SADATOKI succeeded in casting OGANE (Grand Bell) after much difficulty.
