About Zenkoji
Inherent the Religious Tradition of Shinshu
The One & Only Temple Independent from Sect
およそ千四百年という長い時間、厚く信仰されてきた善光寺。
日本最古の仏像といわれる御本尊「一光三尊阿弥陀如来様」を祀り、
宗派という概念が生まれる前に創建されたことで宗派を問わない唯一無二の寺として守り続けられています。
源頼朝や武田信玄、織田信長、豊臣秀吉、そして徳川家康と名だたる武将たちも信仰し、
現在では年間約六百万人も訪れる東日本最大の木造建築のお寺です。
Zenkoji has been deeply worshiped for about 1,400 years.
Enshrining the main image "Amida Triad Sharing One Halo", which is said to be the oldest Buddha statue in Japan.
Since it was built before the concept of sect in Buddhasim was invented, it has been being a unique temple that independent from sect and denomination.
The temple is also also worshiped by many famous Japanese samurai and daimyō like Minamoto no Yoritomo, Shingen Takeda, Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Today, Zenkoji is the largest wooden temple in eastern Japan, which is visited by about 6 million people annually.
What is morning O-asaji?
Morning Service in the Majestic Japan
Important Cultural Property
日の出とともに始まる、善光寺の朝のお勤め「お朝事」。
三六五日、一日も欠かすことなく続けられているというお朝事は、
善光寺全山の僧侶が出仕して勤める法要です。
鐘の音を合図に赤い傘をかざされたお導師が歩みを進めるその姿は、
善光寺の厳かな出立ちのなかで印象的に映ります。
"O-asaji", the morning religious service of Zenkoji, which starts at sunrise.
It is the practice that continues for 365 days without missing even one day.
This is also a memorial service for all monks in the mountain of Zenkoji.
The scene of the master holding a red umbrella with the bell sound is reflecting
the solemn image of Zenkoji.
善光寺の一日の
はじまりと共にすごす Spend the beginning of the Day
with Zenkoji
Flow of O-asaji
From Shukubo to Zenkoji
Walking While listening to the Guide's Story
宿坊から善光寺までは、寺の歴史や宿坊の成り立ちなど公認案内人による話を聞きながら歩みを進めていきましょう。語り継がれてきた物語の縁の場所を実際に歩きながら、重ねてきた歴史を体感することができます。
From the shukubo to Zenkoji, let's take a walk while listening to stories from certified guides such as the history of the temple and the origin of the shukubo. You are able to experience where the stories and history have been accumulated while walking around the places.
Receiving Buddhist Rosary
Blessing from the Zenkoji Chief Priest
善光寺本堂から鳴る「衆来の鐘」を合図に、善光寺の住職であるお導師が本堂へ向かいます。参道の左側でひざを地面につけ礼拝していると、お導師が持つ数珠を頭に頂戴し功徳を授けていただけます。
The top priest of Zenkoji, heads to the main hall in the signal of "Bell of All" ringing. When one worships with the knees on the ground on the left side of the road, he/she will be able to receive the blessing and the Buddhist Rosary from the top priest.
Overwhelmed by the Majestic Creation
Chancel of the Main Hall
本堂の中にある内陣に入ると、本堂の中にある内陣は、約百五十畳の広さ。欄間の来迎二十五菩薩や瓔珞など装飾の数々、本尊が祀られている瑠璃壇など造りの壮大さに圧倒されます。
The chancel of the Main Hall (HONDO) is about 248 m2 (150 tatami mats) in size. You will be overwhelmed by the magnificence of the many golden hanging decorations, the 25 Bodhisattva in between the columns, and the "Ruridan" (lapis lazuli altar) where the main image is enshrined.
The Echo of the Monks
Buddhist Music "Shōmyō"
僧侶たちがみな着座すると、民謡や浄瑠璃の元と言われる仏教音楽「声明」が始まります。迫力のある声に耳を傾けることで、雑念から解放され心の安定を取り戻すことができます。
The Buddhist music "Shōmyō", which is said to be the source of folk songs, and "Jōruri" (traditional Japanese narrative music), will begin when all the monks sit down. By listening to the powerful voice, you would be set free from confusion and regain a peaceful mind.
The Master Enters the Inner Sanctuary
Buddhist Chant begins
お導師が内々陣に入り、読経が始まります。ご本尊へのご祈祷が終わり「南無阿弥陀仏」と十回唱えるのにあわせて、お朝事参列者は手を合わせ拝みます。
The master joins the inner sanctuary (NAIJIN) and the sutra chanting begins. After praying to the Buddha and the "Namu Amida Butsu" is chanted ten times, the attendees of the morning religious service join hands and worship.
The Curtains Put Down with the Sound of the Bell End of Morning Religious Service
鐘の音とともに金襴の戸帳が下がると、お朝事のお勤め終了です。お導師が本堂から退出される際に参道の右側でひざを地面につけ礼拝していると、お導師が持つ数珠を頭に頂戴し功徳を授けていただけます。
When the cutains will be down with the sound of the bell, meaning the morning religious service is over. When the masters leave the main hall, and one worships with the knees on the ground on the left side of the road, he/she will be able to receive the blessing and the beads of the master putting on your head.
