Haykusaiji Temple on Mt. Shakasan

[Japanese]

Thursday, 17th of September, 2020

On Saturday the 12th, after visiting the tomb of Tachibana Michiyo (橘三千代), we went to the Haykusaiji Temple on Mt. Shakasan (釈迦山百済寺).

A magnificent garden was there that would have made even Mr. Takebe admire.

While Mr. Takebe was strolling around the garden, I enjoyed feeding the carp with the bait that I bought all available for sale, at the only time to rest my feet. 

Mr. Takebe was in good spirits.

We went up to the main hall, though the opening hours were running low and it was thought to be impossible to get to the main hall in time.

Then I measured the angle of the building with my compass glasses.

At the main hall, the attendants didn't lock the door and were waiting for us, as they seemed to have received word of our arrival.

I entered the main hall and sat straight for a moment and bowed deeply to the principal image putting both hands on the floor.

The main hall was facing 241 degrees. People would put their hands together towards 61 degrees, but the principal image was looking at 241 degrees.

There is the Shitennō-ji Temple (四天王寺) beyond which the principal image watches over, and the underground temple of Empress Kōmyō, the Hyakusaiji Temple, and the Shitennō-ji Temple form a right triangle.

Also, the underground temple of Empress Kōmyō, the Hyakusaiji Temple, and the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple (東大寺大仏殿) form a right triangle.

This is a planned layout.