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gI will be the Sun to light the Embudaih
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Daijokyo Sohonzan Peace Pagoda
History of Daijokyo
In the autumn of 1914 the Most Rev. Tatsuko Sugiyama, the founder of
Daijokyo, established Bukkyo-kanka-kyusaikai in Shimizu Town, now Higashi Ward of Nagoya. From that time on, she worked hard to put Buddhist Dharma into practice; she offered a helping hand to orphans, the poor and needy and people with disabilities, she
volunteered to help Hansenfs disease patients by providing them with both spiritual (preaching) and medical care, and rushed to bring relief supplies to
disaster-struck areas. After fulfilling her duty as a reincarnation of
Supratisthitacaritra, the Most Rev. Sugiyama entered nirvana on June 28, 1932, after a life of 65 years.
@ Most Rev. Tatsuko Sugiyama, Founder of Daijokyo
Following the founder's passing, the organization was renamed Bukkyo-jutoku-shuyodan, Daijo-shuyodan and Togo-shiseikai, and was led by the late Most Rev. Keiyo
Kosakai (first president), followed by the late Most Rev. Hozan Sugisaki (second president). Without yielding to the suppression imposed by constituted authorities during the period of confusion caused by the Manchurian Incident and World War II, believers faithfully followed the founder's teachings and adhered to her will in their social and other activities. That led to the establishment of Daijo-kyokai in Tokyo in 1946, followed by the founding of gDaijokyoh religious corporation in Nagoya in 1948. It was then that the
association made a fresh start, as a religious society, in practicing the Acts of Bodhisattvas as the founder had wished for many years; the association thus came to embrace the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha and his four attendant Bodhisattvas (Visistacaritra, Anantacaritra, Visuddhacaritra and Supratisthitacaritra) as its principal images, and to rely upon the Lotus Sutra as the book of great truth preached by Buddha.
Daijokyo is a society of lay Buddhists based on the truth of Lotus Sutra, but it does not belong to any particular denomination or sect. Daijokyo believers simply inherit the painstaking attitude of the founder, who adhered to the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra and sacrificed her life to its diffusion in
mappo (the period of the last law or saddarma-vipralopa). Daijokyo applies to modern times the spiritual training of Buddhists through practice, and considers the Lotus Sutra to be a textbook of the Three Virtuous Practices —
Jihi (Compassion or Dana), Makoto (Honesty or Sila) and
Kannin (Patience or Ksanti) — that anyone can easily apply to everyday life.
The essential code of conduct for Daijokyo believers inheres in the precepts of the Lotus Sutra as embodiments of the long-cherished ambition of Buddha. The code comprises: reflection and repentance in our practicing the Acts of Bodhisattvas; unceasing effort toward perfection of character; and devotion to social cleansing.
Our mission as Daijokyo believers is to strive in delight to better ourselves, always holding the following words of the founder in our minds:
gI firmly believe that nothing but Buddhist Dharma can bring peace to all the world; that is why I practice the teachings of Buddha just as they are.h
gEvery work I do should be work for good and others.h
gThe first step of indoctrination is to practice by yourself.h
gThe power of virtue is the fundamental solution to all problems. We must strive to respect each otherfs personality, and to accumulate virtue so as to make our lives worthwhile.h
gLet us commit ourselves to the elimination of earthly desires (spiritual darkness), and follow the holy path of Buddhafs enlightenment, as we live our daily lives.h
Precincts
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The first headquarters building, established in 1953, was two stories high and made entirely of cypress. To accommodate the growth of Daijokyo, the building underwent full-scale renovation in 1968, acquiring the majestic aspect it presents today.
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The Main Hall enshrines the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha and his four attendant Bodhisattvas, which are the main images of Daijokyo. These are the absolute principal images to be embraced by the entire world for the future.
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This pagoda was established to extol the goodness of Buddha, and to pray that all people throughout the world may return to the wonderful Dharma of Lotus Sutra and world peace may be realized. The 55-meter Peace Pagoda, soaring into the skies of Nagoya, keeps watch over human happiness.
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Great Buddha Nirvana Statue and Nirvana Hall
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This Great Buddha Nirvana Statue, which is very close to being a national asset, was created in India about 300 years ago and was presented by the King of Burma to Japanese Emperor Taisho as a token of friendship. Measuring 5.6 meters in height, with soles as long as 66 centimeters, the Statue is said to be one of the biggest — and rarest — wooden nirvana statues in Japan.
The Statue had long been enshrined in Yakushido Buddha Hall, an Important Cultural Property, of Mutsu Kokubunji Temple in Sendai City. However, on the occasion of Daijokyo's receipt of holy relics (real ashes of Buddha) from the government of India, the Statue was donated by Mutsu Kokubunji Temple to Daijokyo Headquarters.
In 1995, 50 years after the war, Daijokyo established Nirvana Hall in prayer for lasting world peace. Daijokyo keeps the Hall open to the public, and works to restore and preserve the Nirvana Statue.
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (admission free)
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In Buddhism, the white elephant is the symbol of charity and practice of the Lotus Sutra. This statue was established to commemorate the 60th anniversry of the founding of Daijokyo. Because of this statue, the temple of Daijokyo Headquarters is known among local people as "the elephant temple."
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The giant "Peace Bell" was cast in 1956, to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of
Buddha's Mahaparinirvana. The Peace Bell is one of the best-known features of Nagoya, along with the gorgeous bell pavilion, built in the style of the Momoyama period (late 16th century).
Contact for inquiriesF
Administrative Office
Daijokyo Sohonzan Temple
4-7 Sotodoi-cho, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Japan
TEL.052-671-6146 FAX.052-678-5255
Email: info@daijokyo.or.jp
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