Overview
The men who would later found their own schools all studied here: Honen of Jodo, Shinran of Jodo Shinshu, Eisai of Rinzai, Dogen of Soto, Nichiren of the Nichiren school. Most of the major schools of Japanese Buddhism pass through this mountain. That is why it is called the mother mountain.
About this place
Enryaku-ji (延暦寺, Enryaku-ji) is a Tendai monastery located on Mount Hiei in Ōtsu, overlooking Kyoto. It was first founded in 788 during the early Heian period (794–1185) by Saichō (767–822), also known as Dengyō Daishi, who introduced the Tendai sect of Mahayana Buddhism to Japan from China. The temple complex has undergone several reconstruction efforts since then, with the most significant (that of the main hall) taking place in 1642 under Tokugawa Iemitsu. Enryaku-ji is the headquarters of the Tendai sect and one of the most significant monasteries in Japanese history. As such, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)". The founders of Jōdo-shū, Jōdo Shinshū, Sōtō Zen, and Nichiren Buddhism all spent time at the monastery. Enryaku-ji is also the center for the practice of kaihōgyō (aka the "marathon monks").
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source ja.wikipedia.org ↗Key facts
Founded：788 Shrine rank：Head temple of the Tendai school Designation：National Treasure, World Cultural Heritage Site Blessings：Warding off evil, Learning, Mountain worship
Source ja.wikipedia.org ↗Official website
Check the official website for current opening hours, fees and closing days.
Source hieizan.or.jp ↗Before you go
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