Eiheiji
福井県
Eiheiji…
Founded
1244
Type
Temple
Visited
Want to go
Access
15 min by bus from Echizen Railway Eiheiji-guchi Station
5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui
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Overview
Eiheiji, formally Kissanzan Eiheiji, is the head temple of the Soto Zen school, located deep in the mountains of Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui Prefecture. It is the foundational training monastery founded by Zen master Dogen in 1244 (Kangen 2). Its magnificent complex of more than seventy halls, built into the deep mountains of Echizen, remains a living training ground nearly 780 years after its…
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Origins
In 1244, Zen master Dogen founded Eiheiji, formally known as Kissanzan Eiheiji, in the mountains of Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture). Having previously taught Zen at Koshoji temple in Fukakusa, Kyoto, Dogen sought a more secluded environment for practice and established this monastery…
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Divine Benefits
Warding Off Evil
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Averting disaster, directional protection, warding off epidemics. Central at Fudo, Kannon, and Gion-related sites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "釈迦如来"
祭Festivals & Events— 1
祭
12月
31
Eiheiji New Year Bell
The New Year's bell at the head temple of Soto Zen, struck by training monks in a solemn atmosphere.
記Related Articles— 6
記
記
Eiheiji Temple and Soto Zen: The Fundamental Training Hall Opened by Dogen
Eiheiji, the head temple of Soto Zen founded by Dogen in 1244 in the mountains of Fukui, embodies the pure zazen practice of shikantaza through its seven-hall monastic architecture.
architecture
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記
Body and Mind Cast Off — What Was the Enlightenment Dogen Found in Song China?
In 1225, Dogen heard his master Rujing say 'body and mind cast off' and experienced deep enlightenment. This became the foundation of Soto Zen: just sitting, nothing else. He returned to Japan and founded Eiheiji.
era
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記
Shakyamuni Buddha: Life of Gautama, Enlightenment, and the Meaning of the Parinirvana Image
Shakyamuni Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) is the representation of Gautama Siddhartha, who attained enlightenment in India around the 5th century BCE, venerated as the fundamental deity of Buddhism. This guide explores the symbolism of hand gestures (mudra) such as the dhyana mudra, vitarka mudra, and abhaya mudra, as well as the meaning of the parinirvana image, with reference to representative temples.
basics
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