Kobo Daishi was born in Japan in 774 and founded the Shingon Buddhist tradition after receiving its teachings in China.
He later established Koyasan as a center for Shingon Buddhist practice.
To followers of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi is not simply a historical founder. Affectionately called Odaishisama, he remains a living spiritual presence and guide.
Koboji is dedicated to him.
Our regular Daishi-ko services, prayers, teachings, and temple life express our gratitude for his continuing compassion and our aspiration to follow the Buddhist path he taught.
Kobo Daishi
Kobo Daishi is the founder of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in Japan. He is famous as a great Buddhist thinker, writer, and practitioner, but he is also well-known for his charitable works for the good of society and the enrichment of the people.
We believe that Kobo Daishi never actually died, but he instead entered a kind of eternal meditation.
He had vowed that until the world came to an end he would never stop working for the liberation of all beings from suffering. It is believed that he is still continuously praying for the good of the world even today.
Enlightenment in this Body
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Depending on the compassionate vows of Kobo Daishi, we will firmly establish our faith and conviction in the teachings of Buddhism during this lifetime and in the future.
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Dedicating ourselves to the teachings of honoring the four kindnesses and practicing the ten kinds of wholesome conduct, we will follow the highest moral path.
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Accepting the truth of the inevitability of cause and effect, we will devote ourselves to the liberation of all beings, including ourselves and others.
Articles of Faith
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We will awaken to the truth that the Buddha and ordinary beings are one and not apart, and will realize our potential to become buddhas ourselves.
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We honor the teaching that the realm of the Buddha is not separate from ordinary phenomena, and will train ourselves in the three mysteries.
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With grateful thoughts of repaying the kindnesses we have received, we will treat each other with warmth and consideration.
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All beings have the potential to become buddhas. We will treat each other with honor and respect.
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With the compassionate vows of Kobo Daishi as our example, we will work for the improvement of society.