Last updated:
Jul 23, 2016
About the writer:
Nagato Tourism Convention Association
Aobass" from the Ohihi district of Qinghai Island
This lotus is a white-flowered, heavily petaled cinnabar, called rozanbai, a particularly beautiful variety of lotus.
This aobas has the following temple legend.
When studying in Tang China, Sumien Shonin of Gyokurenji Temple in Sakai, Senshu (Osaka), brought back old lotus seeds from Rozan and presented them to Gakushin Shonin of Komyoin Temple in Miyajima, Geishu (Hiroshima).
Later, the 10th monk of Saienji Temple, Houju, who was engaged in missionary work throughout Geishu (Hiroshima), paid a visit to Koumyouin and was presented with four seeds of the plant.
This is due to Gakushin Shonin's last will and testament, "You must give (seeds) to a great teacher.
After bringing back the seeds, the monk Hoshu immediately sowed them in the hermitage of his retreat. This is said to have happened in the 5th year of Bunsei (1822).
Later, the lotus was divided between the nearby Saienji Temple and Hofunan (nunnery). (Source: Nagato Historical Walk)
Even today, beautiful flowers can be seen every year from early July to August at Saienji Temple and Hoshu Shonin no Iori (retreat house).
Early July to mid-August
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