Niche Shines and Temples

摘要

In Japan people believe in a multitude of gods. In this series we have looked at the belief in a multitude of gods and the various religions that exist in Japan, and at the history and general characteristics of shrine and temple architecture. This issue will introduce something more unusual 一niche shines and temples and the special gods they enshrine, with some information about their background.Zensho-ji is a Soto Zen temple in the city of Annaka in Gunma Prefecture. Founded in 1568, it has about 450 years of history. In 1990 it became the first temple in the world to enshrine a golf-themed statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. This temple is visited by employees, their families, and players at the many golf courses in the area, and the statue was enshrined to pray for their peace and prosperity. News of the statue spread by word of mouth and more visitors came, including professional golfers. By now it has an established position as a holy ground for the sport of golf. Conceptually, if there are a multitude of gods in Japan, there is no reason why there should not be some that respond to current needs in society. The statue is simply a visible expression of faith. It depicts a pattern of fourteen golf clubs 一 thirteen clubs and a putter. The number is not a coincidence. Fourteen is the sum of eight and six, standing for the noble eight-fold path and six perfections of Buddhism. The message is that both in a round of golf and life in general, it is important to make the right choices. Unsurprisingly, golf balls are a frequent offering.