Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

▶The Origins of Naritasan (Legend of Its Founding)
Legend of the Founding 1
Kancho Daisojo, together with Fudo Myoo, whom Kobo Daishi Kukai himself consecrated, came to the Kanto region
In the Heian period, the uprising of Taira no Masakado broke out
A world filled with anxiety and confusion
In 939 (the 2nd year of Tenkei), Taira no Masakado, a warrior of the Kanto region, declared himself “Shinno” and opposed the imperial court, sparking the rebellion of Taira no Masakado. In this age of turmoil, people lived amid anxiety and confusion.
Kancho Daisojo, by imperial decree of Emperor Suzaku
Came to the Kanto region together with the sacred image of Fudo Myoo
Kancho Daisojo departed the capital of Kyoto carrying the Fudo Myoo image that Kobo Daishi Kukai himself had reverently carved and consecrated. He boarded a ship from Osaka and landed at Otarigahama on the Boso Peninsula.

Legend of the Founding 2
Naritasan was founded as a sacred place to protect the Kanto region
Granted the temple name “Shinshoji,” meaning “to newly win”
Grand goma prayers were solemnly performed in Narita
The rebellion ended on the day of the final vow
Kancho Daisojo enshrined the sacred image in Narita and lit the goma fire, praying that the 21 days of warfare would come to an end. On the final day of the prayers, Taira no Masakado was defeated, and peace returned to the Kanto region.
By the oracle of Fudo Myoo, Naritasan Shinshoji was founded to remain in Narita and save the people
When Kancho Daisojo was about to return to the capital, the sacred image would not move, as if it were a rock, and told him to remain in this place. Thus, Naritasan Shinshoji was founded here.

Legend of the Founding 3
Earning the deep devotion of the people
Minamoto no Yoritomo, Mito Komon, Ninomiya Sontoku, and Ichikawa Danjuro
Among many famous figures who revered Naritasan
Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro devoted himself to Narita Fudo, adopted the stage name Naritaya, and performed plays featuring Fudo Myoo, which helped Narita Fudo win the faith of ordinary people.
The devotion to “Naritasan’s Fudo-sama” continues into the present day
Even today, the 12th Ichikawa Danjuro and Ichikawa Ebizo deeply revere Fudo Myoo of Naritasan, and, as in the past, continue to use the Naritaya stage name while preserving the art of kabuki, a traditional performing art.

Founder of the Mountain
Kancho Daisojo
Kancho Daisojo was the grandson of Emperor Uda. Born in 916 (Engi 16) as the second son of Prince Atsumi, he became a monk at the age of 11. He served as betto of Ninna-ji, Todai-ji, and Sai-ji, and as chief priest of To-ji. In 986 (Kanna 2), he became the third Daisojo in Japan after Gyoki Bosatsu and Jiei Daishi Ryogen, and the first in the Shingon sect. Kancho Daisojo was also a leading master of shomyo. Shomyo is traditional sacred vocal music used in Buddhist rituals, with melodies set to Buddhist scriptures.

▶Who is Fudo-sama of Naritasan?
The principal image, Fudo Myoo, of Naritasan Shinshoji is the sacred image that Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect, personally carved and consecrated with prayers made with one stroke and three prostrations. At Naritasan, under the protection of this spiritually efficacious principal deity Fudo Myoo, the goma fire has been kept burning without interruption for more than a thousand years, praying for the fulfillment of everyone’s heartfelt wishes. In the goma ritual, the power of Fudo-sama, the prayers of the priests, and the prayers of all participants become one and manifest as pure wishes. Even today, “Fudo-sama of Naritasan” continues to inspire the faith of countless people.

▶The Teachings of Fudo-sama
At Naritasan, the teachings of Fudo-sama are regarded as “Our Vows” and serve as the practice of followers of Fudo Myoo. By expressing gratitude for Fudo-sama’s great compassion and applying it in daily life, we can discover the path we should follow.
1. Following the conduct of the principal image as a servant
We dedicate ourselves to serving all people.
The word “servant” refers to one who selflessly serves others. Fudo-sama protects us by appearing in the form of a dark blue-black servant, in order to rescue all people from suffering and lead them to enlightenment.
2. By the guidance of the lasso held by the principal image
We live a life of mutual support.
With the lasso, called a kenjaku, held in Fudo-sama’s left hand, when people are about to head in the wrong direction, he guides them to the right path even by binding them if necessary. Let us cherish a spirit of helping one another.
3. With the steadfast resolve of the principal image like a great rock
We endure all hardships.
A great rock means a large, heavy stone. Fudo-sama sits firmly upon a great rock, showing his determination to save and guide all people. This is a teaching to cultivate endurance that is not swayed by delusion and is not defeated by anything.
4. Like the blazing flames of the principal image
We devote ourselves wholeheartedly to diligence and effort.
Fudo-sama dwells in blazing flames that never weaken for even an instant. Through this form, he shows that by never neglecting our daily efforts and continuing to build them up, a path will open before us.
5. Embracing the unwavering mind of the principal image
We strive to unify our minds.
Fudo-sama seated upon a great rock shows that the heart seeking enlightenment is in a firm and immovable state. To bring out your full potential, cultivate an immovable mind that can calmly accept whatever happens and respond without being shaken.
With the wisdom of the principal image’s sword of insight
We make correct judgments and awaken to our true selves.
The sharp sword in Fudo-sama’s right hand symbolizes correct judgment, enabling us to discern right from wrong. Let us acquire profound insight that cuts through the delusions of anger, greed, and ignorance in our minds, and awakens us to our true selves.
7. Receiving the power of blessing from the principal image
We pray to share equally in its benefits.

The power of blessing refers both to the power by which the Buddha protects us with compassion and to our own faith in receiving that protection. The Buddha’s great compassion is always extended to us. Only when the Buddha’s compassionate power and our faith respond to one another does the power of blessing truly manifest.