November Reflection: The Heavenly Kannon

2025.11.14.

The Heavenly Kannon

By Daikō Iizuka, Head Priest

Hello everyone, this is Daikō Iizuka, head priest of Ichibata Yakushi.
It is now November, and autumn has deepened. The air has grown cooler, so please take good care of yourselves.

On October 19th, we were able to hold the Completion Ceremony for the newly restored Kannon Hall.
Thanks to the warm support of many people, the hall has been beautifully renewed.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude from the bottom of my heart.

Nearly two hundred people attended the ceremony.
Teachers from the San’in Shakuhachi Dojo offered classical komusō pieces,
and I chanted a traditional verse for the occasion, followed by everyone reciting
the Heart Sutra and the verses of the Kannon Sutra together.

This Kannon Hall was originally built in 1943.
It first served as a temporary hall to enshrine Yakushi Nyorai during the renovation of the main hall.
Even in the difficult years of the Sino-Japanese War and the Pacific War,
the hall was completed through the devoted support of many people,
coinciding with the 1050th anniversary of the temple.

For about forty years, however, the roof had been leaking.
We placed tubs in the ceiling and repaired sections year after year.
Then, an unexpected blessing came: we were offered lightweight titanium roofing
at a remarkably reduced cost—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
With this chance before us, we decided to restore not only the roof,
but the entire hall.

At that time, I wondered:
If we are restoring it anyway, could we create a hall that people would love even more?
This building stands in the most scenic place in the temple grounds.
By installing large glass windows facing east, visitors could look out over a breathtaking view.
It could become a living spiritual space—a place for “Sky Meditation,”
for copying sutras, for the pilgrimage-sand ritual,
and for quietly turning inward.
This aspiration arose only three years ago.

Despite the challenges of the times, with the blessings of the Buddhas
and with the warm support and efforts of so many people,
the restoration has now been completed splendidly.
I am truly grateful.

The Kannon enshrined here is known as Ruri-Kanzeon Bosatsu,
believed to be a compassionate manifestation of Yakushi Nyorai.
“Kanzeon” means “One who perceives the cries of the world”—
a sacred presence who heals our suffering and gently guides our hearts toward peace.

Standing at an elevation of 200 meters and overlooking the landscape of the ancient Izumo myths,
she is affectionately called “The Heavenly Kannon.”
May you spend a quiet moment before her,
opening the eyes of your heart as the autumn air grows clear.