Greetings
●Shokoji Temple's philosophy
I believe that everything can be explained by Buddhism. Even the idea that "Pure Land" is a virtual space can be seen as an example of how technological development has caught up with the worldview depicted by Buddhism. All temples need to do is effectively provide the universal values of Buddhism in line with the evolution of the times.
I believe that we will be living in the "age of generative AI" for the next 30 years. As the times evolve, Shokoji will strive to provide the universal value of Buddhism through the tradition of "Pure Land = Virtual Space" and innovative technology. However, this does not mean simply doing something using virtual space. Rather, it is about continuing to provide the maximum universal value of Buddhism by breaking away from the rigid idea that "it has to be like this."
Thirty years from now, Shokoji Temple will be neither a real space nor a virtual space, neither close nor far, neither large nor small, neither a place nor non-existent, and neither of age, gender nor nationality; it aims to be a universal value - Shokoji Temple (an existence that transcends existence).
This means that those who come into contact with Shokoji Temple acquire some kind of value, whether real or virtual, in relationships between self and others, or whether material or spiritual, and this value leads to stability of thought when carrying out various activities.
April 2025 Chief Priest of Shokoji Temple
●Characteristics of the temple
~ A Nembutsu Dojo that values introspection ~
We place importance on spending each day peacefully, reaffirming the important and essential things with a calm mind. We aim to recite Buddhist prayers before and after activities.
philosophy
●Shokoji Temple's philosophy
Worldview: What is the world like?
Things don't always go as planned
View of humanity: What is a human being?
Even though we are imperfect beings
Beings who cannot help but pursue their ideals
What is Buddhism?
"What is the situation now and what should we do from now on?"
A guidepost for thinking and moving forward
What is a temple?
I was taught that
A place for independent thinking
What is a staff member?
People who practice it as their own business
A person who helps
The person who accompanies me
● Philosophy: "Righteous Wisdom and Harmony"
"Right Wisdom"
"What is the situation now and what should we do from now on?"
Ability to think and act
"Harmony"
A society where we live together with wisdom and help each other
[A temple that supports your future]
Shokoji Temple is a temple that supports your future.
Think together about what is happening now and what to do next.
Together, cheerfully, honestly and amicably
We aim to create a society where people can live
What is a philosophy?
A philosophy is a way of life. To empathize with a philosophy means that your way of life and the way the organization lives resonate with each other. If you can empathize with the philosophy, you should definitely get involved with Shokoji. Because there is the highest possibility that you will be able to get closer to the ideal you seek.
Activities that empathize with your thoughts
People who are involved in the activities of organizations that share their ideals tend to be more likely to exert themselves in times of crisis. They are more likely to work hard. They are more likely to overcome difficulties. This makes it easier for them to grow.
People who can empathize with your thoughts
Someone who can take action to solve various problems based on ideals.
People who can't empathize with your thoughts
If you can't empathize with their feelings, it's better to choose another place because you won't be able to demonstrate your abilities.
behavioral guidelines
"A gentle face, kind words, and first-come, first-served questions"
～Gentle expression and gentle speech～
1. Dress nicely
2. Be strict with your mouth
3. Calm your mind
4. Rejoicing together
5. Discipline yourself
6. Think and act for yourself
With a gentle expression and gentle words
Be considerate of others
Our aim is to be the first to lend a helping hand
We must face each other with a kind and gentle face.
Unable to empathize with one's own and others' futures
What is it now and what will happen next?
We cannot think together about
We can live together cheerfully, honestly, and in harmony.
It is not possible to realize a society
Thinking and acting for oneself means
In other words, within an organization or within society
It means being the main character.
Everyone involved with Shokoji Temple plays a leading role
It's important to keep shining
We are thinking.
honorable history
Tennozan Entomi-in Shokoji Temple is a historic temple built in the Kamakura period (approximately 800 years ago) by its founder, the third patriarch of the Jodo sect, Zen master Ryochu, and its founder, Ishiwata Tamibu Shosuke Yasuchika.
It subsequently fell into decline, but in 1602, it was rebuilt at its current location by Odagiri Shogen Shigeyoshi and the priest Shinyo Ryutan, and renamed Shokoji Temple after Shigeyoshi's Buddhist name.
The current chief priest of Shokoji Temple is the 29th (as of 2012), which counts Reverend Shinyo Ryutan as the first chief priest since its founding.
The principal image of the temple, the Amida Nyorai, is a seated statue about 70cm tall, said to have been made by the Kasuga Buddhist sculptor, and the Sho Kannon enshrined in the Kannon Hall is said to be the principal image of Yoritomo no Kimimori and is said to have been made by Gyoki, but neither is certain. In addition, within the temple grounds, there is the Twelve Branches Hall, the 10m tall Iwabuchi Setsuki Daikannon (Safe Birth and Child Rearing Kannon) made during the time of the 26th priest, Tenyo Eijun, a memorial monument for those who died in the Sino-Japanese War, a Jizo statue, a Mizuko Jizo statue, and a brush mound.
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