The Statue Dedicated to Sonten at Kurama Dera, the Birthplace of Reiki
LOVE - LIGHT - POWER
SONTEN
Mount Kurama is a famous sacred mountain located north of Kyoto, surrounded by lush vegetation. At the Kurama Dera Temple, Sonten is worshipped as the pure expression of the three fundamental qualities of being: Love, Intelligence (Light), and Energy (Power).
LOVE
INTELLIGENCE
ENERGY
At the entrance of Kurama Temple, a brochure is handed out stating: "More than six million years ago, Mao-son (the great king of those victorious over evil and the spirit of the earth) descended on Mount Kurama from Venus with the great mission to save humanity." This small statue likely represents Sonten, the great energy/intelligence/love of the universe. The three rings symbolize the spirit of the Moon (Love), the spirit of the Sun (Light), and the spirit of the Earth (Power).
"The Kurama Kokyo sect worships a tripartite deity, composed of:
- Bishamonten as the representative of the Sun;
- Kannon representing Love;
- Gohōmaōson (or Maōson) as the deity of Power.
Together, they form the trinity known as Sonten. Beliefs indicate that Gohōmaōson is an esoteric deity who descended to Earth, specifically Mount Kurama, from the planet Venus about 6.5 million years ago, with the mission to save all of humanity and all living beings on our planet. Interestingly, the only place in the world where this deity is worshipped is at Kurama-Dera.
Starting from Kurama station, the first thing to notice are the Tengu. These supernatural beings from Japanese mythology are an intrinsic part of this mountain. It is said that the most powerful of all Tengu, Sojobo, lives here. Inside the station and immediately outside, you will find masks, ukiyo-e reproductions, and two gigantic statues depicting them."
(Source: https://www.vadoingiappone.it/kyoto/monte-kurama-e-kuramadera/)
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Original version of this page in italian:
Il Simbolo Sonten del Kurama Dera