Etched Sorrow·Rakutō / Shishigatani

Anraku-ji: Matsumushi & Suzumushi

In the early Kamakura period, Hōnen's disciples Juren and Anraku kept a nembutsu hermitage here in Shishigatani. It's said that in 1206 two court ladies who served the retired Emperor Go-Toba, known as Matsumushi and Suzumushi, took the tonsure under them; the following year both monks were executed in the persecution of 1207, and Hōnen himself was sent into exile. By tradition, after his return to Kyoto Hōnen rebuilt the hermitage to mourn them, and that is said to be the origin of today's Anraku-ji. Memorial stones for the two monks and for Matsumushi and Suzumushi remain in the grounds.

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These notes come from desk research. Local traditions vary.