Shinnyodo O-Juya Ten-Night Nembutsu

O-Juya is an eleven-day Buddhist observance held every November 5–15 at Shinnyodo, a temple in Kyoto's Sakyo ward. It is based on a line from the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life: doing good for ten days and ten nights in this world is worth more than a thousand years of good deeds in the Buddha's land. Each night, members of the temple's lay association strike gongs and chant the nembutsu, and the main image of Amida Buddha is unveiled. A white rope tied to the Buddha's hand is stretched out to a memorial pillar in front of the main hall, so visitors can touch the pillar and form a bond with the Buddha. On the final day, November 15, there is a procession of children and monks, the closing service, and red-bean rice porridge served as a charm against stroke. A good chance to see a living temple ritual during an autumn trip to Kyoto.