Oku-no-in Sandō 奥の院参道おくのいんさんどう

Oku-no-in Sandō

The Oku-no-in Sandō is the 1.6-km flagstone path leading through a forest of Japanese cedar trees to the mausoleum of Kūkai, the founder of the monastery complex at Mt. Kōya.

Over the centuries, this area developed into Japan's largest cemetery as thousands of believers have chosen to have their spirits enshrined near the resting place of the great holy man and teacher.

More than 200,000 stone monuments line the path. Many of these are centuries old, and many are dedicated to the memory of some of the most famous and powerful people in Japanese history. Here, they wait in attendance with Kūkai until the time when the future Buddha appears on earth to lead humanity to salvation.

The path is illuminated at night by stone lanterns.

On close inspection, one can see that the openings on the side facing pilgrims as they approach vary in simulation of the phases of the moon. The design deliberately recalls the teachings of Kūkai, who used the image of the sun and the moon to explain the nature of Buddhist truth.

In his analogy, the sun represents the perfect wisdom and truth of the cosmic Buddha, Dainichi Nyorai. The moon, on the other hand, represents mortal men and women who are capable of reflecting this light fully but inconsistently. It is a reminder of the great potential yet basic falibility shared by all of humans, and it enjoins us to mutual respect and tolerance.

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

Oku-no-in Sandō

KoyaQuest

Oku-no-in Sandō

Oku-no-in Sandō 奥の院参道おくのいんさんどう

Oku-no-in Sandō