Thursday, April 18, 2013

Taking an Italian Couple to the World of Hells

[Date]Thursday, April 18, at 9:30~16:30

[Spots]Engakuji Temple, Tokeiji Temple, Kenchoji Temple, Ennoji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha)
[Visitor]An Italian Couple
[Attendant]1 KSGG member
[Language] English

 
  Ennoji Temple is a branch temple of Kenchoji Temple. In the dimly lit hall, the visitors were excited to see the statues of the Ten Judges of Hell such as Enma Daio looking furious and an old woman called Datsueba robbing the dead of their clothes at the other side of the River Sanzu where the dead must cross on the way to the afterlife. We felt relieved to see Jizo-Bosatsu and Chikaku Daishi, which look gentle, at either end of the Ten Judges.  We felt like we met good fortune at a most unlikely time.  The dead say that they have never told a lie because they don’t want Enma Daio to pull out their tongues and send them to Hell. But Enma Daio sees through their lies and punishes them.  They agreed with me that Hell must be overcrowded as there is no one who doesn’t tell a lie.