About Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple

Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple. Jodo Shu sect. It preserves its Edo-period scale almost entirely. In 1965, the main hall (1698) and the Niomon gate (1793), which had been thatched, were re-roofed with copper plates. Furthermore, the grandeur of the Sanbutsudo Hall (1698-99) was restored during major renovation work in 1983. The Sanbutsudo Hall houses the Kuhonbutsu (Nine-grade Buddhas). Currently, restoration work on these Kuhonbutsu is underway. Once completed, all nine Buddhas will regain their golden radiance.
So, what are the Kuhonbutsu? According to the Sutra of Meditation on the Buddha of Infinite Life, the ranks of rebirth are divided into nine types based on the depth of one's faith and the presence or degree of one's sins. It teaches that up to the middle rank of the middle grade, Amida Buddha is accompanied by Bodhisattvas to welcome the deceased. There are differences for each rank regarding when Amida Buddha arrives and the mudras (also called in-gei, hand gestures such as joining fingers or forming circles) that Amida displays. The Sanbutsudo Hall contains nine statues of Amida Nyorai, three in each, each forming a different mudra. In other words, one can worship all nine types of Amida mudras corresponding to the ranks of rebirth through these Buddhas. These nine Buddhas are called the Kuhonbutsu.
The following is a haiku by Kishu Nomura (1886-1983):
Winter wind, village children playing at Kuhonbutsu
Takahama Kyoshi composed the following haiku on May 3, 1940 (from 'Kyoshi Five Haiku Collections (Vol. 1)', Iwanami Bunko, 1996, p. 201):
The coolness, the Buddha of the lowest grade of the lowest rank
In addition, items from the time of the temple's founding remain, such as the seated statue of Shakyamuni Nyorai in the main hall. Both the Kuhonbutsu and the principal image, the seated Shakyamuni Nyorai, are considered to be the works of Kaseki Shonin (1617-1694), who founded this temple.
Joshin-ji Temple also features magnificent carvings on its buildings, such as the Niomon gate and the bell tower. I also feel that the stone pagodas, Koshin towers, and Jizo statues, which are generally not pointed out, are well worth studying.
Access: Get off at Kuhonbutsu Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line and walk to the left.