Zekku(是空)Jyusan Butsu (厨子入十三仏)

The Thirteen Buddhas are deities who preside over memorial services offered for the deceased, guiding them toward rebirth in the Pure Land. These services take place over a period that begins with the first seven-day memorial (shonanoka) and continues up to the 33rd memorial anniversary (sanjūsankaiki). It is believed that after death, a soul passes through a forty-nine-day journey (shijūkunichi), at the end of which it proceeds to one of the six realms of existence (rokudō) based on actions performed during its lifetime. Within these realms, the soul undergoes cycles of rebirth (samsara), and only upon attaining enlightenment can it transcend these realms and reach the Pure Land.
For the deceased to attain enlightenment, the depth of remembrance and gratitude offered by family members and loved ones is said to play an important role. This is the true significance of joining hands in prayer at a household altar during memorial services, Obon, and equinoctial weeks. Furthermore, such sincere prayers not only aid the deceased but are also believed to bring a favorable rebirth for the one who prays, influencing their own journey through the six realms.
In the past, it was customary to display a hanging scroll of the Thirteen Buddhas in the alcove (tokonoma) during memorial observances. However, with changes in living environments, such practices have become less common. Nevertheless, these long-standing traditions carry deep meaning and should not be overlooked. It is from this understanding that the Zekū "Thirteen Buddhas in a Portable Shrine" was born.

The Zekū Portable Shrine of the Thirteen Buddhas stands only about 10 cm tall, making it compact and convenient to keep nearby or carry along. Its size and design make it ideal not only for milestone memorial services at temples but also for travel, allowing you to pause and remember the deceased wherever you are. Within the fragrant cypress shrine stand thirteen solemn Buddhas, meticulously carved from boxwood. Each set is delivered after being blessed in a sacred eye-opening ceremony (kaigen kuyo) at Gotokusan Mizusawa Kannon, a temple with ties to the Tokugawa family. Despite its small size, it serves as a truly authentic altar for heartfelt prayer.

• Size: 100(H)×70(W)×45(D)mm, 100g
• Material: Boxwood, Hinoki cypress
• Made in Japan
• Shipped globally from Japan by using DHL. DHL is the world-class shipping services provider who makes international delivery a fast, smooth, and hassle-free experience. Delivery time can be faster than when shopping at an e-commerce website in your country, and of course your package will be covered by insurance. You can check the shipping cost for your entire order before you make a purchase