Here lies everything spun into the Six Sages Benzaiten—
the very embodiment of the six sages.
The “Six Sages” refer to learning, literature, eloquence, art, music, and performance.
In the land of Sagami, the twenty-ninth head priest of Zempuku-ji Temple made a vow for the fulfillment of these six disciplines, and as their manifestation invited Benzaiten to reside there.
Benzaiten is known in the land of Bharat (India) as Sarasvati, and in the birthplace of Buddhism she has long been revered as the goddess of learning and the arts.
Across the distant seas, in the land of Sagami, a statue of Benzaiten was enshrined in a hexagonal hall and came to be called Six Sages Benzaiten.
To bring peace and inspiration to people’s hearts through learning and, above all, through music and the performing arts—this is something that only human beings can offer one another.
In order to truly convey and guide such intentions, Six Sages Benzaiten Sara appears in a form that people need not fear.
Yet to align divine will with human feelings is never an easy task.
Original illustrated ema plaques of Six Sages Benzaiten are available for offering at Zempuku-ji Temple (Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture).
Whether for success in examinations, improvement in music, dance, painting, or other expressive arts, or for wishing to deepen one’s understanding of learning, literature, and eloquence—each person’s heartfelt wish can be placed upon an ema and offered in prayer.
You may also keep the ema close as a personal talisman, allowing it to support your continued growth and dedication.
For the fulfillment of artistic and scholarly aspirations, we warmly invite you to offer an illustrated ema of Six Sages Benzaiten Sara.
For further details, please visit the official website of Zempuku-ji Temple.