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Ganzandaishidō Hall
Ganzandaishidō Hall is dedicated to Ryōgen (912–985), a powerful monk known by many names. He died on the third (zan) day of the New Year (gan), which is the origin of his posthumous name “Ganzan Daishi,” or “Great Teacher Ganzan.” Ryōgen was a popular figure both during his lifetime and in the centuries that followed.
Although Ryōgen is said to have been very handsome, one of the most famous images of him is as a bony, horned demon. In 984, Japan was in the throes of a pandemic, and Ryōgen tried to bring an end to the suffering by meditating in front of a large mirror. As he meditated, his reflection came to resemble a frightening demon-like creature. One of his disciples painted a simple version of this horned Ryōgen, and the image was copied onto wooden tablets that people kept in their homes to ward off evil.
Trusting in Ryōgen’s spiritual gifts, many people sought his advice. He devised a type of divination that used one hundred slips of paper. People would draw a slip at random and use what was written on it to determine what guidance Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, had for them. This is thought to be the origin of omikuji, the fortune slips now found in shrines and temples across Japan.
The current Ganzandaishidō was constructed in 1623 and was one of the few buildings within the Shitennōji Temple grounds to avoid destruction during World War II. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1954. Inspired by Ryōgen’s wisdom, many students take part in a votive ritual every year on January 3 to pray for good luck in passing their exams.
Although Ryōgen is said to have been very handsome, one of the most famous images of him is as a bony, horned demon. In 984, Japan was in the throes of a pandemic, and Ryōgen tried to bring an end to the suffering by meditating in front of a large mirror. As he meditated, his reflection came to resemble a frightening demon-like creature. One of his disciples painted a simple version of this horned Ryōgen, and the image was copied onto wooden tablets that people kept in their homes to ward off evil.
Trusting in Ryōgen’s spiritual gifts, many people sought his advice. He devised a type of divination that used one hundred slips of paper. People would draw a slip at random and use what was written on it to determine what guidance Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, had for them. This is thought to be the origin of omikuji, the fortune slips now found in shrines and temples across Japan.
The current Ganzandaishidō was constructed in 1623 and was one of the few buildings within the Shitennōji Temple grounds to avoid destruction during World War II. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1954. Inspired by Ryōgen’s wisdom, many students take part in a votive ritual every year on January 3 to pray for good luck in passing their exams.