Shakyou
Sutra Copying Experience
Calm your mind and carefully copy the sutra, character by character
What is Shakyo?
Shakyo is a devotional practice of carefully copying the characters of a sutra, one by one. Writing the characters is said to clear away distracting thoughts, purify the mind, and form a bond with the Buddha.
At Tachiki Kannon, you will copy either a 16-character sutra (the Enmei Jikku Kannon Gyo) or a 28-character sutra (the Sange-mon repentance verse). As these are short sutras, the experience takes about 15 minutes.
What the Experience Includes
Sutra Sheet
Enmei Jikku Kannon Sutra Special Goshuin
Enmei Jikku Kannon Sutra
A sutra that, through invoking Kannon, calms the heart and guides you toward a life of compassion for others. You will carefully copy its 16 characters. Paired with a gold-paper special goshuin (Tachiki Daihiden).
Sutra Sheet
Sange-mon (Repentance Verse) Special Goshuin
Sange-mon (Repentance Verse)
A sutra to repent past wrongdoing and purify the heart. You will carefully copy its 28 characters. Paired with a gold-paper special goshuin (Dainichi Nyorai).
The special goshuin is included in the experience fee and cannot be purchased separately.
Fee & Duration
| Fee | ¥1,000 (includes special goshuin) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approx. 15 minutes |
| Who Can Join | Elementary school age and up |
| Reception Location | Temple Office experience reception counter |
| Reception Hours | During visiting hours (until 1 hour before closing) |
Experience Flow
- 1
Reception
Please apply at the Temple Office experience counter and pay the experience fee.
- 2
Preparing Materials
A clear folder with a sutra sheet and a brush will be prepared — please bring them as is to the copying room.
- 3
Copying
Carefully trace over the light-gray printed characters, one by one.
- 4
Receiving the Special Goshuin
After finishing, place your sutra on the wooden offering stand and return the clear folder and brush to the Temple Office. You will receive a goshuin stamp in exchange.
What to Bring & Wear
Reserve the Shakyo Experience
Advance reservation is recommended. Same-day walk-ins may be accepted if space is available.