Shakkyō (Stone Bridge) : PhotoStory

Jakujō, a monk traveling around the holy places of Buddhism in China, is visiting the stone bridge of Mount Shōryōzen.

A boy woodcutter tells Jakujō that the stone bridge leads to the Pure Land of Monjusri Bodhisattva. It looks like Jakujō has decided to cross the bridge.

The woodcutter seems like an old man at times. He stops Jakujō, explaining that the dangerous stone bridge is not easy to cross.

The youth compares the difficulty of crossing the bridge to that of Buddhist ascetic training. He predicts there will be a good omen soon.

When the youth leaves, a hermit appears. His merrymaking creates a festive atmosphere.

Before long, a lion messenger of Monjusri Bodhisattva appears from the other side of the stone bridge.

The lion performs a magnificent dance.

The lion plays with peony flowers, which fly into the air.

It is as though there are two accompanying lions.

At times, it’s like there are four lions in one place.

The spectacular dance is filled with the fragrance of peony flowers.