Rokuji Kannon

The name and role of Rokuji Kannon

One of the Thirty-Three Kannon. From the custom of dividing a day into six periods, "rokuji" (six times) refers to the whole day, and the name is described as meaning a Kannon who always protects.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

Kannon's compassion, saving by changing form

The images of the Thirty-Three Kannon are associated with the thirty-three manifested forms (ōgenshin), in which Kannon changes form according to the person to be saved. However, the thirty-three names in this list, such as Yōryū Kannon and Suigetsu Kannon, are not identified one by one with the thirty-three manifested forms listed in the sutra. Various beliefs and pictorial traditions of India, China and Japan overlap in them.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・浅草寺

Iconographic sources that hand down thirty-three forms

Shōhōin introduces this group based on the Butsuzō Zui, published in the Edo period. The names express attributes, dwelling places, gestures, saving works and so on. Some figures have their own origin stories, while for others the form and name are central, so not every figure necessarily has a separate story or particular prayer associated with it.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院

Compassion that listens to suffering and leads to peace

Sensō-ji explains Kannon as a buddha who receives people's voices, removes their suffering and gives them ease. Turning one's heart to salvation from hardship is an entry point to understanding Kannon devotion. This explains the compassion common to Kannon and is not a list assigning particular benefits to each of the thirty-three images.

Source: 浅草寺

Related kami and buddhas

• Sanjūsan Kannon (the Thirty-Three Kannon)三十三観音