In Sagano area in Kyoto, there is a small hermitage, called Gioji Temple. A small hermitage is surrounded by trees and moss.
About 800 years ago, there was a dancer whose name was Gio. She was loved by the powerful leader, Taira-no-Kiyomori since she was 17 years old. Her younger sister and mother were also patronaged by him.
One day, another young dancer, Hotoke-Gozen visited Kiyomori and asked him to see her dance. Kiyomori had no interest in her and tried to turn away her. Gio felt sorry for Hotoke-Gozen and asked Kiyomori to let her dance in front of him.
Oh, my goodness, however, Kiyomori was fascinated by Hotoke-Gozen. Gio realized that she had lost his love and left his palace.
She left her poem,
Young leaves which sprout in spring will also die in autumn. We are just same field weeds...Everyone will be got bored and dumped by a lover someday...
When cruel Kiyomori ordered Gio to come to his palace and dance to console Hotoke-Gozen who had been bored, Gio danced in front of them. Gio felt humiliated and became a nun with her sister and mother at the age of 21. She had lived in the shadows...
Half year passed, Hotoke-Gozen visited Gio. Hotoke-Gozen had also become a nun. She felt sorry for Gio and ruthless.
The four women, Gio, her younger sister, mother, and Hotoke-Gozen, spent their last days reciting the Nembutsu (praying to Amida Buddha) in this small hermitage in Sagano.
Inside the building, you can see its principal image, Dainichi Nyorai. You can also find the wooden statues of these four women and Kiyomori which are enshrined in the main hall.
If you visit Arashiyama district, it takes about 20 minutes from Tenryuji Temple (close to Bamboo Forest) to Gioji Temple. (walking)
You may be able to immerse yourself in the quietness of green world.
(Feb 2022)
