The year-end event ''Takuhatsu Kangyō（meaning of The practice of giving alms during the cold season）'' at Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, was held throughout the Ohara area on December 17, 2023. As the weather became more than 10 degrees colder than the previous day, monks tolled bells and went around the village praying for the safety of their families.
Commenting on the current situation where precious lives are being taken away due to disasters and wars, the head priest, Mitsumi Kobori, said, ''I think everyone at Sanzen-in has the same desire to bring as much heart as possible.We strive to hold memorial services and prayers with all our heart. I'd like to see you," he greeted. Approximately 40 people, including monks and residents, headed by Kojitsu Kobori, departed from the Goten Gate just before 9 a.m.
The temperature in Kyoto City (9 a.m.) was 4.7 degrees, 11.5 degrees lower than the previous day. The group divided into four groups and visited about 650 homes in the area, reciting sutras, and the residents who greeted them at the front door clasped their hands together and prayed for peace of mind and body.
The money raised will be used to support disaster victims through the Tendai Religious Affairs Agency (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture).
