It has been handed down since the 8th
century and is one of the most famous rites
in Japan. It has never stopped, not even
during World WarU or the resulting post-war
confusion.
The Shunie Ceremony is held for the purpose
of confessing and reflecting bad
conduct in front of the Eleven-headed Kannon.
This ceremony is also held to condole
people who were killed in disasters, wars,
famines,and to pray for the abolition of
bombs and realization of a peaceful world.
11 priests take part in this ceremony.
For two weeks they read a sutra six times
a day.
