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West Area 1

Gikai Tettsu Final Resting Place



Image
Image1
Category
Historical Materials Monuments
Title
Gikai Tettsu Final Resting Place
Areas
West Area 1
Registered date
1967.2.11

This is the final resting place of Daijoji Temple founder Gikai Tettsu. Measuring 67cm high, 33cm wide, and 24cm thick, this natural stone is inscribed with the words, "Daijoji Temple Founding Priest." Tettsu was born in what is now Fukui City. At the age of 14, he was ordained at Enryakuji Temple at Mt. Hiei. Following his ordination, he became a disciple of Dogen, founder of the Soto sect. He also visited the Sung Dynasty in China to survey cathedrals and Zen temples. In 1267, he became the third chief priest at Eiheiji Temple where he promoted its development. He was ousted, however, when forces opposed to his sect gained power.
Although Gikai once retired, he was asked in 1293 by Daijoji Temple to convert Daijoji Temple to a Zen temple. After six years, he passed his position as chief priest of Daijoji Temple to his disciple Keizan Jokin. Shortly thereafter, he died at the age of 91 in 1309. His funeral was held at Daijoji Temple.
The stone monument of this final resting place was lost after an adjustment of rice fields in the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
In 1927, local historian Tachizan-o and his team located it. It was moved to its current location 1997.