Read, reflect, pray
Where the morning star rises: waka
明星の
Author not named
Poem and reading aid
明星の
myoujouno
出でぬる方の
idenuru katano
東寺
higashidera
くらき迷いは
kuraki mayoiha
などかあらまし
nadokaaramashi
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
The eastern temple lies toward the rising morning star. In that light, how could the darkness of delusion remain?
Background and attribution
A pilgrimage song of Hotsumisakiji, Shikoku temple 24, associated with Kokūzō through its principal image. The words are a temple song, not an exclusive mantra.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (1)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.