Kinki 36 Fudo Pilgrimage: An Experience at Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto

Good evening, everyone.
I have been quite busy this month, so it has been a while since I last saw you.

Work aside...
Since November 28th, I have been visiting the "Kinki 36 Fudo Pilgrimage" sites.
It is a pilgrimage to pay respects to 36 "O-Fudo-san" (Fudo Myoo) statues in the Kinki region.

Speaking of Fudo Myoo (O-Fudo-san)...
He is a deity with whom I have a deep connection.

I was born on December 28th, the end of the year.
The 28th happens to be the "Ennichi" (holy day) of O-Fudo-san.

In Buddhism, an Ennichi refers to a day associated with a deity or Buddha, such as their birth, salvation, or manifestation.
Because of this, I have lived feeling a sense of closeness to O-Fudo-san.

So, yesterday.
December 13th.
My husband and I visited Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto, which is one of the stops on the Kinki 36 Fudo Pilgrimage.

Sanzen-in is located quite deep in the mountains, further than the city center of Kyoto.
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With its vast gardens and status as a Monzeki temple, it has a refined and elegant atmosphere.[[phN_close]]It is also an ancient temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Saicho.

Incidentally, the Amida Nyorai, as well as the Kannon Bodhisattva and [[phN_open]]Fugen[[phN_close]]Bodhisattva statues that flank the Amida at Sanzen-in's "Ojo Gokuraku-in" hall, are designated as National Treasures.

The "Fudo Myoo" of the Kinki 36 Fudo Pilgrimage is enshrined in the "Konjiki Fudo-do" hall located at the back of Sanzen-in.
Since it is a hidden Buddha, my husband and I paid our respects to the "Omaedachi" (a substitute statue).

And then, when I received the Goshuin (temple seal).
The monk who was writing the calligraphy suddenly said to me:

"Our O-Fudo-san is saying, 'Try not to push yourself too hard.'"

...He said.

?????

"I was curious about you from the moment you started praying, and I thought I would like to speak to you. Then, when you brought your Goshuin book, I decided to speak to you now.

You two are pushing yourselves too hard.
People say 'Issho-kenmei' (with all one's might), don't they?
But there is nothing you must do with your 'whole life' (issho).
There is nothing you must do even at the cost of your life."

Do what you can do now, right now.
That is what it is all about.

It means 'doing your best' (seippai).
Do what you can do today, today.
You don't have to risk your life for it."

"You both have the strong protection of O-Fudo-san.
I don't usually speak to people like this, but I felt this was a 'karmic connection' (go-en), so I decided to reach out to you."

......
......

There were too many things that hit home.
My husband, with his work.
And I, with my husband.

Perhaps we were a little tired from trying too hard.
At such a time, the words of the monk at Sanzen-in touched my heart deeply.

Well, I think I'll just take things as they come.
Perhaps a moderate life is best.

Well, but Yamomen is cool, after all!!!!!