Ryuganji Temple: Kyoto

History of Ryuganji Temple

Ryuganji Temple is a Jodo sect temple, and according to the temple history, it was founded in 1616 (1617 according to some sources) by the monk Santetsu (Yasui Santetsu/Genren Shacho Homare Santetsu Osho). He is unknown as a monk, but he left his name in history as a go player. His surviving memorial tablet states that he died in 1648, but it is generally believed that he passed away in 1652.

Yasui Santetsu’s eldest son was Shibukawa Shunkai (Santetsu), who served as the first astronomy official of the Edo Shogunate. He was born in 1639 and died in 1715. His own calendar was adopted by the Shogunate, and he became the astronomy official in 1684, when he moved to Edo, and the site of his residence was developed into a temple.

 

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One-day Buddha statue carving class

This is a class where you can carve a “Wooden Children’s Jizo” under the guidance of a Buddhist sculptor. Even if it’s been a while since you last used a carving knife, please join us. Why not carve your own Buddha statue under the gentle gaze of Amida Buddha? Held on the second Tuesday of every odd-numbered month.

 

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仏具系ポップユニット「佛佛部 -ぶつぶつぶ-」(@b2b2bu)がシェアした投稿

Buddhist sculptor Yozan Miura is involved with Ryuganji in various ways, such as creating the prototype for Gacha Buddhas and unveiling drone Buddhas. Since we are going to carve Buddhas, he decided to hold the one-day Buddha statue carving class, which he had previously held in his own studio, at the temple.
The content of the class is to carve a “Wooden Children’s Jizo” in one day, and you will carve the Jizo by applying a carving knife to a large, roughly carved piece of cypress. It’s been a while since the craft class, but everyone has been using a carving knife, so there’s no need to worry about whether you can carve it. We will provide the Kiso cypress and carving knife. Why not try carving your own Buddha statue under Amida Buddha’s gentle gaze?

 

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太田有香@アファメーションメイク講師✨感情チューニングマスター(@yuka_ohta_makeup)がシェアした投稿

This class is for first-timers. All participants will be asked to carve a Jizo statue.You can repeat the carving class. From the second time onwards, you can carve a different Buddha from the first time, such as a Buddha (birth Buddha). However, some Buddhas require two sessions to complete.

There will be a one-hour lunch break, so please eat your own lunch. You can also bring your own lunch to the temple. If you are coming by car, please use the temple’s parking lot. However, there is a limited number of parking spaces, so if the parking lot is full, please use a nearby paid parking lot.
Children can also participate (but only if they are in the fifth grade or above), but if the child is in elementary school, we ask that a parent accompany them. If a parent and child are participating together, the child’s fee will be half price. Please contact us in the comments section when applying.

Cost: 13,000 yen per person

Capacity: 12 people

 

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Lacquer painting class

Why not try lacquering a Buddhist statue with your own hands?

Lacquer is familiar to us on tableware and other items. It is of course also used in temple culture. Lacquerware for offerings, lacquered Buddhist altars. And golden Buddhist statues are also painted with lacquer on the base on which the gold leaf is pressed.

Lacquer adds beauty to our lives in this way, but because lacquer before drying contains ingredients that can cause skin rashes if handled incorrectly, it is rarely handled by anyone other than experienced, specialized craftsmen. Although lacquer is familiar to us, many people feel that it is something far removed from them.

In this class, you will experience lacquering yourself under the guidance of Yasunori Ito, a lacquer artist who specializes in lacquering Buddhist statues. We will provide all the necessary tools. We will also take measures to prevent rashes, such as providing gloves. However, please note that we cannot guarantee that you will not get a rash 100%.

The Buddha statues to be lacquered are Jizo, Kannon, or Fudo. All of them are cute Buddhas (made of resin) with a height of about 9 cm, and were created by Buddhist sculptor Yozan Miura. Please choose from three lacquer colors: black, red, and cream.
When applying, please specify the type of Buddha statue. We will ask you on the day which color of lacquer you would like.
In the class, you will also experience rubbing lacquer on the stand on which the Buddha statue will be placed and the incense burner for the incense. We will also give you a home incense set with a variety of scents, so please use it for memorial services at home.
Due to preparation reasons, applications will be accepted until two days before the event.
After the class, the completed Buddha statue will be kept for a while to dry the lacquer, and will be sent to your home in about a month.

Cost: 7,000 yen per person
Capacity: 12 people
Sponsor: Kunjudo Co., Ltd.

 

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Tour Link:https://ryuganji.jp/events/7387/

Link:https://ryuganji.jp/