Buddha (nyorai)
Gokō Shiyui no Mida
五劫思惟弥陀
Gokō Shiyui Amida relates to the form of Amida thinking deeply over an extremely long time in order to make the vows to save people. Gokō is a Buddhist term for a time beyond everyday measure, and it is linked with the story of the forty-eight vows.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Keeping the vow to save people in mind for a long time
Gokō Shiyui Amida relates to the form of Amida thinking deeply over an extremely long time in order to make the vows to save people. Gokō is a Buddhist term for a time beyond everyday measure, and it is linked with the story of the forty-eight vows.
Source: 東大寺・浄土宗
The time conveyed by greatly grown hair
Tōdai-ji explains that the hair took this shape because Amida continued seated meditation and contemplation for a long time without shaving the head. The distinctive feature is the hair that covers the head broadly, and the figure who keeps thinking about how to save people is given visible form.
Source: 東大寺
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：五劫思惟弥陀」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 東大寺「秘仏開扉について：五劫思惟阿弥陀如来坐像」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 浄土宗「日々のおつとめ：四誓偈」（2026-10-15 確認）