Kōryūji (江龍寺): Shundō-sama's Temple

Koryuji

Shundo Daiosho's grave

Shundo Daiosho (俊道大和尚), fondly called Shundo-sama (俊道様), was the 15th abbot of Koryuji (江龍寺), a Soto Zen Buddhist temple standing in the mountainous Nishikimachisugawa district of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

He was a highly respected priest known for his teachings. In his later years, he suffered from lower limb pain and lower back issues. Before his passing on October 12, 1882, he is said to have left a message promising to heal ailments from the waist down — specifically lower back pain, lower limb pain, hemorrhoids, and sexually transmitted diseases — for those who bring sake to his grave.

His grave now stands in front of the temple building. Even today, visitors from all over Japan come in hopes of relief and healing through Shundo-sama's promise, bringing sake as an offering. The offering can be any kind of alcohol, not just sake.

To make an offering, first, pour half of the alcohol onto the pebbles surrounding the grave while chanting "Namu Shundo Daiosho" (南無俊道大和尚). Then, place the bottle with the remaining alcohol by the grave, where it is managed by temple members.

The large pile of empty alcohol bottles behind his grave reflects the ongoing practice of offering alcohol.

Reference:

• 岩国観光振興課. (2015,March 15). 俊道様. 岩国 旅の架け橋 岩国市公式観光Webサイト. https://kankou.iwakuni-city.net/syundousama.html