“Chigo Daishi” is the childhood visage of the monk Kūkai, whose posthumous name is Kōbō Daishi. It’s said he displayed wisdom even as a child, pondering deeply how to help the world.

Everyone knows how he eventually became a monk, traveled to Tang-era China, and brought the esoteric Mikkyō teachings to Japan, but he had another facet – that of an educator. Back then in Japan, education was a privilege reserved for those of high status.

But Kūkai disregarded class and status, creating a place where everyone could learn freely. A place where people could go beyond religious and philosophical differences and study many disciplines equally. It was a revolutionary idea for the time.

Perhaps Kūkai’s hopes also live within this small frame. Put your hands together and reach out to it for your family, friends, or significant others.