Feeling and Observing the Journey: Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji Yokokawa Area Ganzan Daishi-do. Correct Knowledge and Application of the 'Tsunodaishi' Amulet for Warding Off Epidemics
That 'strange figure' you might suddenly notice at the entrance of a house or shop. A horned, bony, demon-like face.
At first glance, it might feel frightening, but
in fact, this amulet contains a powerful story that has continued since the Heian period, as well as
divine blessings.
Its name is 'Tsunodaishi (Horned Great Master)'.
Today, I will explain its true nature, origin, how to obtain it, and even the correct way to display it in an easy-to-understand manner.
The True Nature and Secret Birth Story of Tsunodaishi
The true identity of Tsunodaishi is
the high priest of the Heian period,Ganzan Daishi, also known as Ryogen Shonin.
He is known as the restorer of Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji and is a great figure who also received the posthumous title of 'Jie Daishi'.
It is said that he dared to transform into the 'form of a demon' in order to save people.
According to legend, when an epidemic was rampant, Ryogen Shonin sat in front of a mirror and continued to pray with all his heart.
Then, the reflection of himself in the mirror began to change into a thin, bony demon with horns, a terrifying figure.
It is said that when his disciple copied that image and posted it as a talisman at the gate, the epidemic subsided immediately.
Why did he, a monk, become a demon?
It was a 'deliberate transformation to repel calamity'.
The compassionate story of him trying to protect people even by turning himself into a demon is truly moving.
Why is it still worshipped as the 'strongest ward against evil'?
The Tsunodaishi amulet is not just a simple paper charm.
As a symbol of warding off evil and repelling epidemics, it has long beenbestowed mainly at Tendai sect temples.
Because Ryogen Shonin's spiritual power and compassion are contained within the intense figure of a demon,
it has been believed that 'disease and calamity will not enter the house'.
Like the Kumano Go-o Ho-in, Japan has long had a 'talisman culture that expresses invisible power through figures and forms'.
Tsunodaishi is one of them.
Even as times change, our desire to protect ourselves from anxiety and disaster remains the same.
That is why, even after more than a thousand years, many people still rely on this amulet.
Major Places of Traditional Bestowal
Here are the particularly authoritative locations.
1. Birthplace: Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji (Shiga Prefecture)
The Ganzan Daishi-do in the Yokokawa area is a sacred site.
It is the place where Ryogen Shonin actually practiced and is said to have taken the form of Tsunodaishi.
Ganzan Daishi-do (Shiki-kodo) is also known as the 'birthplace of omikuji (fortune slips)'.
The 'Ganzan Daishi Hyakusen (100 fortunes of Ganzan Daishi)' that Ryogen received from Kannon
is the prototype of today's omikuji.
2. Famous spots in Kyoto
Rozan-ji Temple: Also famous as the site of Murasaki Shikibu's residence. Widely known for its Tsunodaishi amulet as the strongest ward against evil.
Shinnyo-do (Shin-nyo-do Temple): There is a Ganzan Daishi-do on the grounds, and it has long bestowed amulets for warding off epidemics.
3. Other historic temples
Kanei-ji Temple (Tokyo)
Sano Yakuyoke Daishi (Tochigi Prefecture)
Gyokusen-ji Temple (Shiga Prefecture), etc.
These are bestowed at temples across the country, primarily those of the Tendai sect.
Proper Application and Mindset
To maximize the effectiveness of the Tsunodaishi amulet, the way you apply it is important.
Basic Location: The entrance of the house (doorway). It acts as a 'gatekeeper' to prevent evil from entering the home.
Orientation: It is common to place it on the outside as seen from the exterior, or on the upper part of the entrance as seen from inside. If possible, face it
east or south (if the structure of your house makes this difficult, do not force it; just place it carefully). It is considered best to avoid facing northeast (the demon gate).How to Apply: Apply glue to the back to stick it on. It is not recommended to make holes with thumbtacks or pins.
If Placing Inside: Given modern housing conditions where placing it outside is difficult, many people place it on the inside of the entrance door, facing the entrance so that the image faces outward.
It is fine to have multiple amulets.
Some people place them not only at the entrance but also in rooms that concern them, or carry them as personal protective charms.
When applying it, it is important to sincerely wish for 'domestic safety and protection from disaster.'
Please think of it not just as paper, but as a 'spiritual amulet' imbued with the prayers of our predecessors.
For those living far away: Regarding mail-order requests
Do not worry if you cannot visit the temple in person.
Many temples (especially Enryaku-ji, Rozan-ji, Shinnyo-do, and Kanei-ji) accept requests by mail (a form of mail-order).
It is common to check their official website and send the offering and shipping fees via registered cash mail.
Please check each temple's website for details.
In Conclusion
Even in this day and age, we continue to face days filled with invisible anxieties and disasters.
The Tsunodaishi amulet reminds us of the 'wisdom that our predecessors have protected and passed down.'
If you see that mysterious figure with horns on a street corner,
please smile gently, knowing that 'it is actually the form of a high priest from the Heian period who became a demon to protect the people.'
