History of Hosenji

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A Soto Sect Buddhist Temple

Since the end of the period of Warring States up to the present time, a period of over 430 years, this temple has uninterruptedly taught the precepts of Buddhist wisdom.

The temple grounds are surrounded by the beauty of nature,changing its appearance with the coming and going of the seasons.

A world apart can be found in the refined silence created by the shade of the　temple trees.

The temple name, Hosenji derives from the words of a Chinese scholar, Hakusan,who upon seeing the location of the temple pronounced it to be a place where the imaginary phoenix of Chinese lore soars through the air and where the　　spirits of holy hermits dwell. (The Chinese character ho is from the word for phoenix, and the character for sen is from the word for hermit.) This pronouncement was considered an auspicious sign and the temple was thus named In 1574, the Lord of Kiryu Castle, Narishige Yura constructed the temple which was specially endowed with a gate for imperial messengers. Yura established it as his family temple and cemetery.

The temple became known as Kiryu-yama Hosenji.

An imperial title and Zen title were bestowed upon the priest who was the founder of Hosenji. His successor, also a Zen priest, was admired in later years as a "Doctrinal Treasure" who was totally absorbed in religious hermeneutics.

His skillful writings revealed him to be an outstanding monk of great learning and virtue. His successor, the third priest of Hosenji, was also a learned monk who was elevated to a post at a higher ranking temple. Around that time at Hosenji there were more than 40 Zen followers in residence, making it one of the foremost Zen temples of the time.

The 16th Zen priest of Hosenji established an archival record of Buddhist doctrines published at the temple and recorded much religious history which is still extant.

He was greatly respected as a religious scholar and was elevated to the highest ranking temple in their sect.

The 25th Zen priest of Hosenji was also elevated to the sect's highest ranking temple.

Thereafter, many renowned priests have appeared successively at Hosenji.