September 29, 2006
Treasures of Mobara Sogenji
Nichiren in Kazusa; Niko & Mobara
Nichiren and Mobara Sogenji Temple
Life and legends of Nichiren
At Boso Hanto 1264-1267
Shaka & Kannon Statues
Both of these appear to date from the Edo Era. 
The stone Shakyamuni Buddha is standing in Namaste -- hands in the Namaskara or Gassho Mudra. This gesture is a form of the Anjali Mudra {palms together}; with the hands in front of the heart.
"The hands held in union signify the oneness of an apparently dual cosmos, the bringing together of spirit and matter, or the self-meeting the Self. It has been said that the right hand represents the higher nature or that, which is divine in us, while the left hand represents the lower, worldly nature." -- Namaste; Piers
Kosodate Kan'non is a feminine transformation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva; who is known as Kanjizai or Kanzeon {Kuan Shih Yin} in Japan. Kosodate Kan'non is believed to answer the prayers of women having difficulty conceiving children. She is one of the non-esoteric {Arya; Sho} forms of Juntei {Cundi} Kannon and closely related to Sung-Zi or Koyasu (Child-Giving) Kannon, Zibo Kannon, Jibo {Compassion} Kannon, Maria Kannon and the benevolent form of Kariteimo-Kishimojin.
For 'pix' & discussions of Kuan Yin related iconography and chanting meditation see ksyart · Kwan Shih Yin Art. All posts there must be approved and may not appear immediately.
Documents
It is said that Mobara Sogenji, aka "East Minobu," preserves original records from Minobu. 
{Link: the Mobara City designated cultural assets}.
Mobara: "East Minobu"
This may be a reference to the "Oko Kikigaki," Niko's record of the Nichiren's sermons on the Lotus Sutra, which were delivered at Minobu in Kai Province between 1278 and 1280.
BTW, Chris Holte has made passing remarks about Niko sealing some Minobu archives in a cave at Mobara, but I can not find anything on that. Chris also mentions Ko-Moku Mondo Ki (Dialogue between Niko and Tenmoku), Niko's record of a debate that took place in 1299. {See Also Holte}
Nichiren's Gohonzon for Practicing Kanjin
There appear to be at least three {3} original Nichiren Mandala Gohonzon{s} kept at Mobara Sogenji
Mandala #013 Dated July 25, 1274 (Bunei 11).LBIS link . 'Early' {Fine Brush Stroke; Emanation Buddhas ARE present} Mandala Gohonzon inscribed by Nichiren, formal style. Coffehouse Gohonzon Shu Link.
Mandala #035 Dated April 1276 (Kenji 2). LBIS link. 'Early' {Fine Brush Stroke; Emanation Buddhas ARE present} Mandala Gohonzon inscribed by Nichiren, formal style. Coffehouse Gohonzon Shu Link.
Mandala #061 Dated April 8, 1279 (Koan 2) LBIS link. 'Middle' {Fine Brush Stroke; Emanation Buddhas NOT present} Mandala Gohonzon inscribed by Nichiren, formal style. This one appears to bear personal side notes.Coffehouse Gohonzon Shu Link.
Posted by rbeck at September 29, 2006 10:52 PM