If you exit from the reception hall and continue down the hallway, you will come across the Shinden. The Shinden is a building which is unique to Monseki temples, and is actually the building that is held in the most esteem within the temple. It is also the place where Sanzen-in Temple’s most important memorial service, gozenbō-kō, is held.
The gozenbō-kō ritual has been performed over time by the Emperor and Empress and it encompasses the memorial service for the head priest as well as the prayers for the peace and tranquility of the nation. It was also held to reflect upon our past digressions and to cleanse ourselves of our anger and complaints. After beginning this ritual, Emperor Shirak awa must have thought that it is the responsibility of the leader of the nation to cleanse the hearts of his citizens. By holding this ritual, he was able to uphold an important part of his role as ruler of the nation.
The gozenbō-kō ritual was started when the third head priest, Jikaku Daishiennin, brought something back from China. Accompanied by music similar to traditional court music, gagaku, these liturgical chants are read to this day with their melody comforting and beautiful to listen to.
The gozenbō-kō ritual is held in the Shinden which was built in 1926 to resemble the official hall for state ceremonies in the imperial palace in Kyoto. In the very back of this hall is the principal object of worship Bhaiṣajyaguru and to the left of this is the mortuary tablets for all the previous chief priests.
Bhaiṣajyaguru helps people in the present and is said to be a buddha who can save you from your suffering. On the other hand, Amitabha, who we will introduce shortly, was said to provide relief and salvation for those seeking the path to the afterlife. The present and the afterlife; they both look over two different territories.
One thing we specifically want to point out is the plaque hanging directly under the main entrance that reads Sanzen-in. This was written by Emperor Reigen at the beginning of the Edo period and is the reason why Sanzen-in came to be known as Sanzen-in.
When you turn around after looking at the plaque you will see a moss covered garden and may be tempted to move towards this. However, we want you to hold off a bit and move towards the back of the Shinden.