Sunday, June 21, 2015

Osu Kannon Temple at Nagoya, Japan



A short history of Osu Kannon Temple

       Originally Osu Kannon Temple was situated in Osu-go, Nagaoka village in the domain of Owari,

which is presently Hashima City in Gifu Prefecture. The founder of this temple is known as Noushin

Shounin ( a Holy Priest ).

      In the fourth year of the Genkyo era ( 1324 ), the Emperor Godiago gave an order to build Kitano

Tenmanngu Shrine in Nagaoka village. 

     The Emperor Godiago liked notion and also took refuge with him. Thus, on the third year of the 

Ginkgo era ( 1333 ) the Emperor Godaigo appointed Noushin as the head priest of the Shrine and at

the same time Osu Kannon Temple was given the title " Kitano-San Houshyouin Shinpukuji. "

     In order to find the temple, Noushin retreated to Ise Shrine for one hundred days and prayed with

great passion to ask who will He enshrine at the temple in order for the people to be rescued and be

 blessed. His wish was granted at last , one evening he had a spiritual dream, in which he received a 

revelation the great compassion of Kannon ( Avalokitesvara ) offers compassion which is of infinite

benefit and is therefore venerable to all people; and then he saw the holy figure of Kannon. This Holy

figure took the exact same form as the image in Shitennouji Temple in Sessyu ( Osaka ) which had 

been carved by Kobodaishi ( the founder of Shingon sect ) long ago.


     The mystery of the spiritual dream was heard by the Emperor Gomurukami who gave an order to 

relocate the Shitennouji temple's Kannon to Osu Kannon Temple, and since then we have been 

dedicated to Kannon. The spiritual power of Osu Kannon Temple increase over time. The Emperor

Gomurakami also took refuge with the Noushin and gave an honorable royal order,  which requested

new temple buildings, a large area of padi fields and that Osu Kannon Temple shall be a royal prayer 

temple.

     Noushin was a very studious individual, and collected many important text books which were in

Osu Kannon Temple's library. ( Shinpukuji Library ) and were also venerated by people. One time a 

shinto maiden brought to him a high priest robe ( sougyarii ) and another time a deity brought a mask  

which was shaped just like a devil's head ( kimen ), then told Noushin "  this mask is an embodiment

 of the Kannon, and therefore by the power of Buddha it can eliminate people's misfortune and give 

them happiness. "  These objects continue to be kept as treasures of the temple to the present day.

     Over the years, the spiritual power of Osu Kannon Temple became known around the country.

Shinyu Shounin was appointed as the second head priest and Ninyu Houshino was appointed as the 

third.  The temple's farmland increased and most of the Shingon temples in Ise, Mino ( Gifu ), Owari

( Aichi ), Mikawa,  Toutomi (west part of Shizuoka ) and Shinano ( Nagano ) were affiliated with Osu

Kannon Temple.

     After this Japanentered the age of wars; in this period Osu Kannon Temple received a large 

amount of farmland from Oda Nobunaga. In the seventeenth year ( 17th ) of the Keicyo era 17 

(1612), Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nagoya Castle and relocated the temple to the present Location 

nearby the castle. Since then, a lot of good women and men pay homage at the Osu Kannon Temple

which is the commonly called " Osu Kannon " and it flourished as a center part of the City to this day.

It remains a main temple in Chizan denomination. 



     

     




Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Nagoya Eki

名古屋駅ー What's in Nagoya?

Visiting Nagoya? One of the finest city in Japan, Nagoya is in Aichi-ken Prefecture.
A very busy area where you can find many tall buildings and business center. Your day is not enough to capture the beauty of the city itself, if your in for some sightseeing ; there are many spots where you can go. 

These photos below are captured in one of the busiest spot in Nagoya-shi. This is actually located at Nakamura-ku, Nagoya. There thousands of commuters each days going to and from at this station. If you are in for a shopping spree, you can walk around and you will see, lots of different store like channel, Prada, LouisVuitton, GUCCI, and many more. 






Nagoya JR EKI by デイシー平田
Taking a trip from here can connect you from north to south of Japan.  


Nagoya JR EKI by デイシー平田
 Have fun and enjoy your trip. If you happen to get lost, inside the Takashimaya Building you can find a tourist information center. They have nice and english speaking staff that can help you find your way.


Monday, September 12, 2011

Dr. Fish

Hello there! I just thought it would be wonderful to share this unique experienced we just had recently.


Dr.Fish as it is popularly known here in Japan gained its popularity in some Spa's and Onsen . The fish name is Garra Rufa, and said to help remove the superficial layer of the epidermis ( Dead skin). The experience is quite amusing and unique; when you soaked your feet these fishes will swim towards your feet and start to nibble on your dead skin cells. It's scary at first because you fill electrifying sensation because of those little tiny tiny sharp teeth nibbling your toes , it tickles for sure but once you get used to it , you may find it relaxing as if you were actually doing a foot spa. At the place where we tried allows ten minutes at a very reasonable price of 700 yen compare to actual foot spa and your feet feels so smooth and refresh.  

My husband and I enjoy this wonderful unique experience.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Tsunami & Earthquake hit Japan

In this situation  were our only defender is the grace of God, all we can do is pray with out ceasing.
Aichi-ken were I live is not that badly affected by this massive tsunami and earthquake that left a devastating effect in the infrastructures and lost hundreds if not thousands of lives. As of now in that region is on alert mode as after shocks come one after another.
                                                                             






This earthquake 0f 8.9 is the ever strongest earthquake reported ever in the history Japan. Help from the different humanitarian organization in different countries started to come. I hope that we can help in anyway we can to the victims and survivors of this massive devastating calamity. God Speed and help us all.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Zen Landscape

One of the reason I like being in Japan is because of its beautiful sceneries and the abundant species of adorable flower. Zen Landscape


Thursday, September 10, 2009

Tanabata Festival






In Japan, Tanabata Matsuri -Festival is one of the oldest and famous festivals. It is celebrated yearly in many regions in Japan. It is said to be the “ Festival to Plead for Skills. “ It also mean “ Evening of the Seventh”


Tanabata was said to be originated 2000 years ago, from the Old Chinese tale known as Kikkoden. Once there was a princess named Oriheme, she was the best weaver during that time. And there is a “ cow herder “ by the name of Hikoboshi also known as Kengyuu both lived in space milky way.


The two fall in love with each other. They were together all the time. Later on , they neglect to do their duties. And because of this Tentei , the father of Oriheme became so mad and angry that he separated the two. The princess Oriheme became so sad that she cried so much and pleads to her father to allow her to see Hikoboshi. Tentai being a father was touch by her daughters' anguish and allow her to see Hikoboshi once a year on the seventh of the month.


This is why Tanabata Matsuri is celebrated on July seventh or August seventh. It is also said that if the rain comes during that day, Orihime and Hikoboshi will not be able to meet each other . The magpies will not be able to come to build the bridge out of their wing because it will become wet. So there will no bridge to cross over the river. If this happens, the two will wait till the next year to meet again.

Customs during Tanabata:

During the celebration of Tanabata, Japanese wear their kimono, yukata. You will find many stalls that sells food and beverages, crafts, paintings,fruits even stalls that promote their products and of live radio coverages of the event. People from different places come over to join this feast. They write their wishes in the " Tanzaku papers " and tie it to the bamboo,















|
More



Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Japan Earthquake

Yesterday at 5:06 a.m was the strongest earthquake i had experienced so far here in Japan, I woke up startled viewing my overhead lamp was swaying back and forth. I felt from my fourth floor condominium, that the building was actually swaying. It was shocking and scary. I can not imagine if the earthquake hits us more than that.

In our place it was shindo 4 ( intensity 4 in the Richter Scale). The most affected area is Shizooka-ken with shindo 6 ( intensity 6 in the Richter Scale) . In Japan, they use " shindo scale " to measure the intensity of earthquake at a given location. While the rest of the world use " Richter Scale " to measure the magnitude of earthquake.

Shindo Earthquake is range from:

1 - earthquake is felt by those who is not moving

2 to 4 - still minor and do not cause damage

5 - cause heavier damage, and object are falling

6 to 7 - severe damage

Japan is prone to Earthquakes because it is surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs. The Government of Japan is taking all the precautionary measure in the upcoming earthquake which is said to be a major earthquake . It was predicted that this going to be a serious and major that will hit the Honshu area. They called it quake " TOKAI Earthquake "




TIPS NEED TO KNOW " Surviving Earthquake " from Survival manual

1). Inside the House - Take Cover -
When indoors, stay calm and immediately take cover over near a strong and stable wall or supporting post/pillar. Do not run outside without verifying the conditions. Immediately extinguish any possible sources of flame in the area.

2). If you are OUTDOOR during the Earthquake - move away from the Building

3). If you are Underground like in subways - calmly assess the situation and do not panic. Avoid stampede. Follow the instruction of the trained personnel who coordinate evacuation procedures.

4). Inside Department Stores and Supermarkets
Do not Panic. A power outrage may follow after an earthquake. Calmly follow the instructions of the personnel.

5). Inside Moving Vehicles
If you are inside a bus or a train do not panic and do not jump out of a moving vehicle. Follow the instructions of the driver or train personnel.

If you are in a car, pull over to the left hand side of the road and park there.

6). Near coastal areas.- evacuate from areas close to the sea-
as coastal areas maybe in danger from tsunamis, relocate to a higher ground as soon as possible.

Know your Disaster Emergency hotline: dial 117

Public Buildings and Schools are designated evacuation areas.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Takeshima Jinja Gamagori


This tiny little Island can be found at Gamagori-shi, Aichi-ken,Japan. It is known as Takeshima Jinja ( Temple) Japanese come here to practice their faith which is Shinto-ism, (Buddist practice). The only access to this Island is by this 500 meters bridge which you can view in the photo.