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Engakuji is a [[Rinzai]] [[Zen]] temple in [[Kamakura]], ranked second among the ''[[Kamakura Gosan]]''. It was founded in [[1282]] by Ch'an priest [[Mugaku Sogen]] upon the request of ''[[Shikken]]'' [[Hojo Tokimune|Hôjô Tokimune]], who sought to expand the presence of Zen, the sect to which he devoted himself, and in order to serve as a temple dedicated to the spirits of those killed, on both sides, in the failed [[Mongol invasions]].

Engakuji is a [[Rinzai]] [[Zen]] temple in [[Kamakura]], ranked second among the ''[[Kamakura Gosan]]''. It was founded in [[1282]] by Ch'an priest [[Mugaku Sogen]] upon the request of ''[[Shikken]]'' [[Hojo Tokimune|Hôjô Tokimune]], who sought to expand the presence of Zen, the sect to which he devoted himself, and in order to serve as a temple dedicated to the spirits of those killed, on both sides, in the failed [[Mongol invasions]].

The ''[[shariden]]'', formerly the ''butsuden'' of the [[Taihei-ji]] nunnery, represents the oldest example in Japan of multi-storied, three-bayed, ''[[irimoya]]'' Chinese-style architecture, and is considered a [[National Treasures|National Treasure]], as are the supposed relics of the Buddha contained within, and the temple's bell. The relics are said to have been obtained from Neng Yan Temple<!--能仁寺--> in China by [[Shogun]] [[Minamoto no Sanetomo]]. In addition, the temple's ''[[sanmon]]'' (main gate, rebuilt 1785), ''[[butsuden]]'' (Buddha Hall, rebuilt 1964), and ''[[hojo (Zen)|hôjô]]'' are said to be model examples of Zen architecture.

The ''[[shariden]]'', formerly the ''butsuden'' of the [[Taihei-ji]] nunnery, represents the oldest example in Japan of multi-storied, three-bayed, ''[[irimoya]]'' Chinese-style architecture, and is considered a [[National Treasures|National Treasure]], as are the supposed relics of the Buddha contained within, and the temple's bell. The relics are said to have been obtained from Neng Yan Temple<!--能仁寺--> in China by [[Shogun]] [[Minamoto no Sanetomo]]. In addition, the temple's ''[[sanmon]]'' (main gate, rebuilt 1785), ''[[butsuden]]'' (Buddha Hall, rebuilt 1964), and ''[[hojo (Zen)|hôjô]]'' are said to be model examples of Zen architecture. A pond associated with the ''hôjô'', called Myôkôchi, and containing a famous stone said to resemble the shape of a tiger's head, appears in maps of the temple compound as early as 1335. It is today maintained in a form evidenced by [[Edo period]] maps of the compound.<ref name=plaques>Plaques on-site.</ref>

The temple's main Buddha Hall, rebuilt in 1964, contains an image of a Jewelled-Crowned Shaka. The dragon painting on the ceiling was produced by [[Maeda Seison]], one of the founders of [[Nihonga]], along with his student Moriya Tadashi.

The ''shariden'' also serves as the ''shôdô'' (昭堂) for the temple; along with a ''tôsho'' (塔所), a ''shôdô'' was a common element in Muromachi period temples.<ref name=plaques/>

The temple remains today one of the larger Zen compounds in Kamakura, containing 19 ''[[tatchu|tatchû]]'' (sub-temples); at its peak, the ''tatchû'' numbered 42.

 

The temple remains today one of the larger Zen compounds in Kamakura, containing 19 ''[[tatchu|tatchû]]'' (sub-temples); at its peak, the ''tatchû'' numbered 42. The entirety of the compound, including an area of forest known as Kojirin, serves as spaces for meditation and for ''[[shugyo|shûgyô]]'' (ascetic training).<ref name=plaques/>

One of the first subtemples to be constructed in the compound, called Butsunichian (仏日庵), was built to serve as Tokimune's mausoleum. His son [[Hojo Sadatoki|Hôjô Sadatoki]] and grandson [[Hojo Takatoki|Hôjô Takatoki]] later came to be buried there as well. It was renovated in 1811.

One of the first subtemples to be constructed in the compound, called Butsunichian (仏日庵), was built to serve as Tokimune's mausoleum. His son [[Hojo Sadatoki|Hôjô Sadatoki]] and grandson [[Hojo Takatoki|Hôjô Takatoki]] later came to be buried there as well. It was renovated in 1811.

Another ''tatchû'', the Ôbaiin, was founded by Tokimune's wife, [[Kakuzan-ni]], as a site for holding his memorial service.　The site would later become closely associated with the [[Ashikaga clan]]; some of [[Ashikaga Yoshiakira]]'s ashes are said to be held there.

Another ''tatchû'', the Ôbaiin, was founded by Tokimune's wife, [[Kakuzan-ni]], as a site for holding his memorial service.　The site would later become closely associated with the [[Ashikaga clan]]; some of [[Ashikaga Yoshiakira]]'s ashes are said to be held there. A tower on the site known as Kekon-tô was built by the Ashikaga as a ''tôsho'' for [[Muso Kokushi|Musô Kokushi]].<ref name=plaques/>

The Seizokuin was built in 1286 as the tomb of Mugaku Sogen, the temple's founder, who died on 1286/5/3 at [[Kenchoji|Kenchô-ji]], to which he had returned after establishing Engaku-ji.

The Seizokuin was built in 1286 as the tomb of Mugaku Sogen, the temple's founder, who died on 1286/5/3 at [[Kenchoji|Kenchô-ji]], to which he had returned after establishing Engaku-ji.

*"Engakuji." [http://www.kamakura-burabura.com/meisyokitakamakuraengakuji.htm Kamakura-burabura.com]. Accessed 19 December 2009.

*"Engakuji." [http://www.kamakura-burabura.com/meisyokitakamakuraengakuji.htm Kamakura-burabura.com]. Accessed 19 December 2009.

*[http://www.engakuji.or.jp/contents/keidai.html Engakuji Official Site]. Accessed 19 December 2009.

*[http://www.engakuji.or.jp/contents/keidai.html Engakuji Official Site]. Accessed 19 December 2009.

[[Category:Temples]]

[[Category:Temples]]

[[Category:Kamakura Period]]

[[Category:Kamakura Period]]