Open Blessings at Koboji
お大師さまとともに
Come before Odaishisama in faith, offer your prayers, and receive his compassionate blessings.
On the 21st of every month and during the New Year, Koboji welcomes everyone to join us in prayer and receive traditional Shingon Buddhist blessings, known as kaji (加持).
Whether you have visited Koboji for generations or are entering a Buddhist temple for the first time, we invite you to approach Kōbō Daishi, affectionately known as Odaishisama, with faith and gratitude.
Everyone is welcome. No appointment is necessary during Open Blessing hours.
Faith Is at the Heart of Our Prayers
Kōbō Daishi taught:
加持とは如来の大悲と衆生の信心とを表す。
Kaji expresses the great compassion of the Buddha and the faith of living beings.
In Shingon Buddhism, we believe that the Buddha's compassion is always extended toward us. Through faith, we open our hearts to receive that compassion.
This is why our visit begins with prayer to Odaishisama. Before receiving kaji, we first offer our own prayers, expressing our gratitude, concerns, and wishes for ourselves and those we love. The priest joins us in prayer before Odaishisama and then performs the kaji. blessing.
We may come seeking good health, protection, family happiness, or guidance during difficult times. Whatever our prayers may be, we encourage everyone to approach Odaishisama with sincerity, humility, and gratitude. Receiving a blessing is therefore not simply something that happens to us. We participate through our own faith and prayers.
What Happens During Open Blessings?
1. Arriving at Koboji
When you arrive, please proceed to the reception area (chōba), where our volunteers will welcome you and provide assistance.
The main worship hall (hondō) is upstairs. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, please let our volunteers know. Blessings are also available downstairs or at your vehicle.
2. First, Offer Your Prayers to Odaishisama
This is the most important part of your visit.
Before receiving your blessing, take a moment to offer your prayers to Odaishisama. You may offer incense, place your hands together in gasshō (合掌), and bow your head in prayer. Give thanks for the blessings you have received. Pray for your health, your family, those facing difficulties, or whatever is weighing on your heart.
You may also recite Kōbō Daishi's sacred mantra:
南無大師遍照金剛
Namu Daishi Henjō Kongō
You do not need to know any special prayers or complicated rituals. What matters is that you approach Odaishisama with faith, sincerity, and gratitude.
3. The Priest Offers Prayers to Odaishisama
Before performing kaji, the priest faces Odaishisama and offers prayers on behalf of those gathered. During these prayers, the priest recites passages from the Rishukyō (理趣経), the Hannya Shingyo (般若心経), and other sutras or mantras as appropriate to the prayers being requested.
While the priest is chanting, please continue offering your own prayers to Odaishisama. You do not need to know the sutras or chant along. Simply join your heart in prayer.
4. Receiving Your Kaji Blessing
After offering prayers to Odaishisama, the priest turns toward the worshippers to perform kaji. Please place your hands together in gasshō and bow your head reverently. The priest performs the blessing using traditional Shingon prayers, mantras, and sacred ritual implements.
As you receive kaji, continue to keep your heart and mind directed toward Odaishisama. Although the blessing is brief, we hope you will carry its meaning into your daily life through faith, gratitude, and compassion.
Blessings for Everyone
We want everyone to have the opportunity to pray before Odaishisama. During both monthly and New Year's Open Blessings, kaji is available:
- Upstairs: In the main worship hall.
- Downstairs: In the hall before Odaishisama.
- At your vehicle: For those who have difficulty entering the temple.
Regardless of where you receive kaji, we encourage you to begin by offering your prayers to Odaishisama. Please let our volunteers know if you need assistance.
Omamori
Omamori are traditional Buddhist protective amulets that serve as reminders of our prayers and faith.
During regular monthly Open Blessings, omamori are available upstairs. During New Year's Open Blessings, they are available downstairs.
Please note that omamori are available with cash or check only. We encourage visitors to bring their own bags.
When Can I Visit?
Monthly Open Blessings
Every 21st of the month, normally from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
New Year's Open Blessings
Extended hours are offered during the New Year. The prayers may differ according to the occasion, but the fundamental practice of prayer and kaji remains the same.
No appointment is necessary during Open Blessings. Please consult our Events calendar for current hours and any schedule changes.
Private blessings are also available by appointment for individuals and families who prefer a quieter experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Koboji.