Basic Information
Description
A branch temple of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, belonging to the Tendai sect.
In 835, the monk Ennin brought shomyo (Buddhist chanting) back from Tang China, and the temple was founded as the main training hall for Tendai shomyo.
It fell into decline for a time but was revived in 1013 by Minamoto no Tokitsugu.
In 1018, a famous debate known as the Ohara Discussion took place here between Kakucho and Henjutsu. In front of this Amida statue, they argued over whether Buddhist enlightenment is "empty" (ku) or "not empty" (fuku) — and the story goes that the statue vanished the instant someone said "empty" and reappeared when someone said "not empty." What the Amida Buddha was apparently trying to say is that the truth is neither empty nor not-empty. (I think?)
Later, when the monk Kenshin, troubled over the Buddhist path, invited Honen to discuss Pure Land teachings, the statue is said to have emitted a radiant light as proof that Amida Buddha embraces all beings who chant the nembutsu. That's why it's called the "Amida of Proof."