Read, reflect, pray
How wondrous: waka
ありがたや
Jien
Poem and reading aid
ありがたや
arigataya
高野の山の
kouyano yamano
岩かげに
iwakageni
大師はいまだ
daishihaimada
おわしますなる
owashimasunaru
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
How wondrous: in the shelter of the rocks of Mount Kōya, they say the great teacher still abides.
Background and attribution
The Shinbutsu Reijō association attributes this poem to Jien visiting Kōya in devotion to Kōbō Daishi. It reflects faith that Kūkai remains to help beings; Kūkai is the subject, not the poet.
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.