A Bit of RAKAN Lore ...

In 1996 Lee spent a sabbatical semester teaching at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities in Hikone, a small former castle town located about an hour outside of Kyoto along the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. There he found a wonderful array of temples, gardens, museums and historic spots in the area and spent many an afternoon exploring these local treasures.

One of them, however, he saved until Heidi arrived in late Autumn; the two of them then finally made their way to Tenneiji, a Buddhist temple on the edge of the city, which features a (neglected) set of Gyorakan, Five Hundred Images of Buddhist Attributes.

The few visitors who make their way to this isolated hillside complex often come to honor their ancestors. It is believed that, among the five hundred images on display, there is sure to be one resembling individual long-departed forebearers. One can thus pay homage to deceased family members or friends, neighbors or even mere acquaintances easily enough, assured that each would receive the benefits derived from such attention.

Each individual image is associated with a particular occupation as well, so a visit also provides an opportunity to consider a job change or at least a visual incentive to expand one's list of occupational possibilities!

On our travels, we'll undoubtedly encounter all manner of similar Buddhist image groupings -- the sixteen attendants, the four guardian kings, a host of fifty-two musical bodhisattva (Buddhist "saints"), vast gatherings of Jizo, the guardians of travelers and children. So, as the Thirty-Two Rakan we ourselves should feel right at home!