EPISODE 01From Sanuki to Mt. Hiei, Divine Experiences with the Kifudoson

Chisho Daishi Enchin was born in present-day Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, in 814. His father was Wake no Yakanari and his mother, a member of the Saeki family, was a niece of Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi). Named Hiro’o, Enchin joined his uncle Nintoku Kasho at 15 and studied under Gishin Kasho, the successor of Saicho, at Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, the head temple of Japanese Tendai Buddhism.

At the time, a national examination was required to become an official monk. Passing candidates were called Nenbundosha, and only two were allowed per year at Mt. Hiei. Enchin passed this exam in the spring of his 19th year with outstanding results, changing his name to Enchin. In 833, he received the Mahayana precepts from his master Gishin, officially becoming a monk and taking his first step as a Tendai Buddhist.

At Mt. Hiei, monks were required to undergo 12 years of rigorous training. In the winter of 838, during meditation, a shining yellow Fudo Myoo miraculously appeared before Enchin. The Fudo Myoo encouraged him to master Buddhist teachings and guide lost beings. It appeared throughout Enchin’s life, protecting him when he was in danger. The image which depicts Enchin's vision of this deity is the picture of Konjiki Fudo Myoo (golden Acala, also called kifudoson), a secret Buddha and a national treasure known as one of Japan's Three Fudos.