In the previous article, we talked about how the genius monk Tokui built a grand barrier called 'Aizu Five Yakushi' to calm the great eruption of Mount Bandai.
If you were living in a time without modern medicine or disaster warning systems, and suddenly faced a major eruption, epidemic, or flood, where would you seek help?
For the people of Aizu, the source of their spiritual support was the "Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha who heals illness and suffering)."
The five Yakushi beliefs established by Tokui gradually spread throughout Aizu over time, eventually developing into a vast prayer network known as "Aizu Twelve Yakushi". This time, we will introduce some particularly interesting temples with rich histories from among them.
[Historical Mystery] The Legend of the "Child-Rearing Stone" that even the feudal lord relied on (Number Two: Kitayama Yakushi)
Prayers to Yakushi Nyorai transformed from a fear of natural disasters to a focus on "individual health and family peace."
At the second site, "Kitayama Yakushi (Taishoji)" in Kitashiobara Village, there is an intriguing episode. During the Edo period, the feudal lord of Aizu, Gamou Hideyuki, was deeply concerned about the frail body of his child (Kamechiyo Maru). Therefore, he made a pilgrimage to this Kitayama Yakushi through a steep mountain path, and it is said that after placing his child on a large stone on the way back, the child became remarkably healthy.
This stone is still called the "Child-Rearing Stone," and in September, a festival called "Futatsuko Mairi" is held.
Even for a powerful figure like a feudal lord, the heart of a parent wishing for their child's health is the same. The "physical hardship (pilgrimage)" of climbing the steep mountain path may have functioned as a ritual to solidify the parent's resolve. How do you interpret this legend?
Monks on the Frontlines of Disaster (Number Ten: Enmei-ji)
Moreover, temples were not just places of prayer; at times, they served as the "frontline of disaster response."
The tenth site, "Enmei-ji" in Aizuwakamatsu City, has a history where, during the great flood that struck the Aizu region in the 21st year of Tenbun (1552), the founder monk, Shungen, prayed day and night and worked tirelessly to rescue people suffering from hunger and distress.
Looking down on the village submerged in muddy water, what were the monks thinking, and how did they act? This is a very real and moving episode that suggests the temple functioned as a "safety net (the core of the community)" rather than merely relying on the Buddha statue.
Pilgrimage is the "ultimate academic journey."
Starting from the first site, Eijitsu-ji (Bandai Town), to Kitakata, Yukawa, Aizubakuhatsu, Aizumisato, and then Aizuwakamatsu.
Visiting these twelve Yakushi Nyorai sites is a grand fieldwork experience that allows you to feel the geography, history, and the "real lives and mixed emotions" of the people of Aizu at that time.
At Tabinoito, we offer a 【Academic Style】 tour that connects the history of temples existing at these points with a line, allowing you to deeply savor the breath of people from that time along with explanations. This is not just a stamp rally that goes around by car, but an intellectual journey for adults that considers 'why this Buddha is here in this place.' Why not touch the profound history of Aizu with us?
【Aizu Twelve Yakushi List】
If you are interested, please feel free to experience the atmosphere of each history with your own feet.
|
Number |
Temple Name (Location) |
Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
|
First |
Keijitsu-ji |
The Juroku Yakushi Nyorai enshrined by Tokuichi upon entering Aizu. |
|
Second |
Taisho-ji / Kitayama Yakushi |
The northernmost of the Aizu Five Yakushi. The 'Child-Rearing Stone' prayed for by the feudal lord. |
|
Third |
Nakazen-ji |
An elegant seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai with a wood mosaic and lacquered gold leaf. |
|
Fourth |
Katsutokuji / Chuo Yakushi |
The center of the Five Yakushi of Aizu. Numerous important cultural properties including the national treasure, Yakushi Nyorai. |
|
Fifth |
Jotokuji |
A work from the Heian period. A small statue that retains the traditional technique of single wood carving. |
|
Sixth |
Chogoji / Kamiumanai Yakushi |
To the west of the Five Yakushi of Aizu. The gentle-faced national important cultural property, Yakushi Nyorai. |
|
Seventh |
Yakuoji / Sugi Yakushi |
A single wood carving of Katsura wood. Retains the shallow inner carving of ancient style. |
|
Eighth |
Yakushido / Tagu Yakushi |
Originated from the 'Yakushi of Li' carved by Tokuichi from a Li tree. |
|
Number Nine |
Kōan-ji / Nakada Yakushi |
One of the Aizu Three Kannon, vowed by a wealthy man who lost his daughter in sorrow. |
|
Number Ten |
Enmei-ji |
Has a history of monks striving to save the people from a great flood. |
|
Number Eleven |
Jikō-ji / Nampō Yakushi |
The southern of the Aizu Five Yakushi. Placed at the demon gate to pacify the evil spirit of the Bandai Mountain eruption. |
|
Number Twelve |
Yakushi-ji / Takada Yakushi |
Gold leaf adorned Yakushi Nyorai. Also enshrines the Twelve Divine Generals. |
[The ultimate academic tour connecting the dots of history]
Not just a stamp rally, but a journey to feel the breath of the people of that time.
A dedicated guide will explain the mysteries of history spread throughout Aizu.
First, feel free to consult us via LINE.
