英語訳
## English Translation
It is recorded that this temple was destroyed by fire on the night of the 11th day of the 3rd month of the 9th year of Bunsei (1826), and for six years following the year after the fire, the temple remained in a state of abandonment and decline.
At that time, the 8th head priest, Reverend Shōon, was born as the eldest son of the Yamazaki family of Sekihara Village, Mishima District. At the age of fourteen, he became a direct disciple of Suijō Kokumei of Inada-zan Yūkōji Temple. On the 3rd day of the 5th month of Bunsei 1 (1818, the year of Tsuchi-no-e Tora), he shaved his head, received the Buddhist robes, and was granted the dharma name "Suishō Ryūnichi." In the 3rd year of Bunsei (1820), the year of Tatsu (Dragon), in the 4th month, he went to the capital to study, and from the age of sixteen, he undertook training at the practice hall on more than ten occasions.
On the 15th day of the 10th month of Tenpō 3 (1832), the year of Mizunoe-Tatsu, he became an adopted junior monk (yōtei) of Saimyōji Temple, and at the age of twenty-eight, he entered this temple as its head. In the 4th year of Tenpō (1833), Mizunoto-Mi, on the 24th day of the 4th month, he served as a messenger. In the 5th year of Tenpō (1834), Kinoe-Uma, in the 3rd month, he procured a calling bell; and in the 12th year of Tenpō (1841), Kanoto-Ushi, in the 6th month, he erected a hanging bell (tsurigane). In the 3rd year of Kōka (1846), Hinoe-Uma, in the 4th month, he applied for a minor promotion certificate (kobusho), and in the 6th month of the same year, the temple kitchen (kuri) was constructed.
In the 2nd year of Kaei (1849), the year of Tsuchinoto-Tori, the main hall was rebuilt, and the roof-raising ceremony was held in the 8th month. In the 4th year of Kaei (1851), the following letter was received from the domain lord, Lord Kazuno Bizen-no-kami:
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### Memorandum (Oboegaki)
One: Three hundred hiki (in gold)
Northern Group, Inaba Village
Kyūnenji Temple
By nature upright and diligent in temple affairs, steadfast in his station, earnest in scholarship, faithful in his duties as a monk without neglect, and exemplary in his conduct with family, relatives, and villagers. Moreover, following the fire during the tenure of the previous priest, in which the hall buildings and Buddhist implements were entirely lost, after taking up his post, he gradually rebuilt the main hall, the kitchen, and even the bell, with assistance gathered from all directions. This was achieved because he earnestly delivered dharma teachings to the near and far lay parishioners and guided many people to faith. Furthermore, in his daily life he dressed modestly and showed no fondness for extravagance — he should be regarded as a model for the entire sect.
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The above is hereby proclaimed. Respectfully.
Inagaki Gonnosuke
Kaei 4th year (1851), Year of the Boar — Inagaki Gonnosuke
13th day of the 5th month — Yura Kanzaemon
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Under the jurisdiction of the Echigo Sanjō Gobō (Honganji branch office):
Inaba Village
Kyūnenji Temple — Shōon
Regarding your conduct: you have maintained the temple affairs with virtue and sincerity, been diligent in study, faithful in your religious duties without laziness, and have thoroughly guided and admonished your parishioners in their daily lives — in all things conducting yourself as a true monk. This has come to the attention of the domain authorities, and in recognition of your praiseworthy conduct, a reward has been granted. This has reached the ears of higher authority, and it is considered that this is fitting and proper for one of priestly station. Accordingly, as a reward, two hundred monme of silk wadding (mawata) is hereby bestowed upon you — receive it with gratitude.
Continue henceforth to abide by the instructions previously given, and conduct the temple affairs in an ever more proper and dharmic manner — so it is proclaimed.
Kaei 5th year (1852), Year of the Rat — Kawanabe Zuisho (seal)
1st day of the 3rd month — Yokota Okimizu
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Beginning on the 25th day of the 5th month of the 1st year of Man'en (1860), Kanoe-Saru, a five-night memorial service was grandly held commemorating the 600th anniversary of the death of the Founding Master (Shinran Shōnin).
Alas, from the 5th month of the 1st year of Bunkyū (1861), Kanoto-Tori, he took to his sickbed, and his life came to an end. At the age of fifty-seven, at noon on the 3rd day of the 10th month, he passed away quietly and entered eternal sleep. His relatives all wept without ceasing at the parting. He was a man of great achievement — how lamentable that such a person should depart this world, they lamented. (Copy.)