Iga-Ueno / Koyasan 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / Passing Through

Moving on to the Koyasan's Gobyo Cemetery

This is the Shingon monk and Yamabushi who led some of us through the streets of Koya one midnight, setting a pace we were hard-pressed to keep up with. We hurried through Gobyo, possibly the world's oldest cemetery, to the site of the mausoleum of Kobo Dashi Kukai, who brought the esoteric Buddhist teachings back from China and founded the mission on Mount Koya in 816 A.D. Above to the right is a very old tori (gate) you pass under on your way into the cemetery.

This happy guy is Fudo Myo-o, patron of the yamabushi and Dharma protector. He sits upon a rock, backed by flames (which is the way halos were originally drawn). . . .In his right hand is a vajra sword, symbolizes cutting through illusion and foolishness. In his left hand is a noose or lasso, said to be used saving some folks from hell whether they want it or not, and symbol for that which binds up destructive passions. . . .He can be seen as a grim but compassionate "tough guy", transforming anger into transcendent wisdom.

Along the path leading to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum you see many small statues with "bibs". The statues represent babies who have died. The bibs are placed on them by a particular Buddhist sect, but I can't recall which one.

Here's a closer view of the baby statues. Many have rather unphotogenic plastic tubs near them for offerings. To the right, a mossy lion dog carving that caught my eye.
Wonderful mossy roof. Not sure what the building is. To the right is one of the many Buddha statues that you find in the cemetery. I belive this is Kannon, who represents compassion.

Iga-Ueno / Koyasan 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / Passing Through