Background Information

Kannon

In the Aizu pilgrimage, there are thirty-three different kannon sites containing five different forms of the Kannon, or Goddess of Mercy.

The Kannon is one of four Bosatsu. Kannon is one of the principal attendants of Amida Nyorai. The Bosatsu are beings that have reached enlightenment but delay Buddhahood to remain on Earth in order to witness and listen to the prayers of those in difficulty in the earthly realm, and to help them achieve enlightenment.

The Kannon may be recognized in groups of 6, 25, and 33 in Japan. Aizu’s pilgrimage includes 5 of the 6 forms of the Kannon. The 6th form () is not included in the Mairi. We are unsure of the reason why.

There are many Kannon Pilgrimages in various places throughout Japan. To participate in a pilgrimage, the worshipers must visit a series of kannon sites in a particular order. At each site, the worshipers generally sing the special song for that particular site, and then they ring the waniguchi bell. After greeting the Kannon with the bell, the worshiper then recites a short prayer. They then continue on to the next Kannon site in the pilgrimage.

The Aizu pilgrimage contains only five specific forms. They are: Juuichimen- kannon, Senju- kannon, Batoo- kannon, Nyoirin- kannon, and Sei- kannon.

Juuichimen – Eleven Headed Kannon - symbolic of shedding sweetness and mercy in all directions. Since she is one of the principal attendants of Amida Nyorai, you will also find a figure of the Amida among her eleven heads, usually the topmost central head.

Senju – thousand-armed Kannon, most sculptures show only 42 arms: two are regular arms, but each of the remaining 40 arms represents the 25 Buddhist worlds (thus, 40 times 25 equals 1000). 

Batoo – Horse Head Kannon – This Kannon always has an angry face, and people go to him if they have done something very wrong. He also shows how sad it is to be angry inside.

Nyoirin – Omnipotent Kannon – Often has six arms and holds the wish-granting jewel. She can come to you at any time that you need to pray to her – you don’t need to go to her location like the other kannon.

Sei – Sacred, Pure form of the Kannon - the fundamental form of the Kannon