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 an era without modern medicine or disaster warning systems, and were suddenly struck by a massive eruption, epidemic, or flood, where would you seek salvation?
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 Tokuichi spread throughout the entire Aizu region over time, eventually developing into a vast network of prayers known as "Aizu Twelve Yakushi". This time, we will pick out and guide you through some temples with particularly interesting histories among them.
[Historical Mystery] The Legend of the "Child-Rearing Stone" that even the feudal lord relied on (No. 2: Kitayama Yakushi)
Prayers to Yakushi Nyorai evolved from fear of natural disasters to a focus on "individual health and family peace."
At the second temple, "Kitayama Yakushi (Taishoji)" in Kitashiohara Village, there remains an intriguing episode. During the Edo period, the feudal lord of Aizu, Gamou Hideyuki, was deeply concerned about the frail health 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 a powerful figure like a feudal lord shares the same parental desire for their child's health. The "physical hardship (pilgrimage)" of climbing a steep mountain path may have functioned as a ritual to solidify a parent's resolve. How do you interpret this legend?
Monks on the Front Lines of Disaster (No. 10: Enmei-ji)
Moreover, temples were not just places of prayer; they sometimes served as the "front line of disaster response."
The tenth temple, "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 founding monk, Shungen, devoted day and night to prayers, striving to rescue the starving and suffering people.
As they looked down at the village submerged in muddy water, what thoughts did the monks have, and how did they act? This is a very real and moving episode that suggests that the temple functioned as a "safety net (the core of the community)" rather than merely relying on a statue.
Pilgrimage is the "ultimate academic journey."
Starting from the first temple, Eijitsu-ji (Bandai Town), to Kitakata, Yukawa, Aizubashu, Aizumisato, and then to Aizuwakamatsu.
Visiting these 12 Yakushi Nyorai locations 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 the people of that time along with explanations. This is not just a stamp rally that travels by car, but an intellectual journey for adults that considers 'why this Buddha is in this place.' Would you like to touch upon the depth of Aizu's history 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 |
Keijitsuji |
The Juroku Yakushi Nyorai enshrined by Tokuichi when he entered Aizu. |
|
Second |
Taishoji / Kitayama Yakushi |
The northernmost of the Aizu Five Yakushi. The 'Child-Rearing Stone' prayed for by the feudal lord. |
|
Third |
Nakazenji |
An elegant seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai with a wooden mosaic and lacquered finish. |
|
Fourth |
Katsutokuji / Chuo Yakushi |
The center of the Aizu Five Yakushi. Numerous important cultural properties including the national treasure, Yakushi Nyorai. |
|
Fifth |
Jotokuji |
Created during the Heian period. A small statue that retains the traditional technique of single wood carving. |
|
Sixth |
Chogoji / Kamiuman Yakushi |
To the west of the Aizu Five Yakushi. A national important cultural property, Yakushi Nyorai, with a gentle expression. |
|
Seventh |
Yakuoji / Sugi Yakushi |
A single wood carving made of Katsura wood. It retains the shallow inner carving of an ancient style. |
|
Eighth |
Yakushido / Tagu Yakushi |
Originating from the 'Yakushi of the Li tree' carved by Tokuichi. |
|
Number Nine |
Kōan-ji / Nakata Yakushi |
One of the Aizu Three Kannon, vowed by a wealthy man who lost his daughter out of sorrow. |
|
Number Ten |
Enmei-ji |
Has a history of monks working hard to save the people from a great flood. |
|
Number Eleven |
Jikō-ji / Nampō Yakushi |
Located in the southern part of Aizu's Five Yakushi. Placed at the demon gate to pacify the demon of the Bandai Mountain eruption. |
|
Number Twelve |
Yakushi-ji / Takada Yakushi |
Gold leaf-covered Yakushi Nyorai. Also enshrines the Twelve Divine Generals. |
[The ultimate academic tour connecting points of history]
A journey to feel the breath of the people of that time, not just a stamp rally.
A dedicated guide will explain the mysteries of history spread throughout Aizu.
First, feel free to consult us on LINE.
