Emperor’s Decree

Kosanji Temple was founded in 1206 by order of the emperor. Emperor Go-Toba (1180–1239) made the land available for this purpose with a decree that he himself wrote. The decree included lines from the Flower Garland: “When the sun rises, that which is first illuminated is the highest of mountains.” Kosanji means “high-mountain temple” and its name comes from this scripture, which is a cornerstone of Kegon (Chinese: Huayan; Flower Garland) Buddhism. The decree now hangs in the southern part of Sekisuiin.