Tsubaki-do
Legend has it that long before Saicho established Enryakuji, Shotoku Taishi, (574–622) founded what became the Tsubaki-do by enshrining a statue of Kannon that he had carried up the mountain. Prince Shotoku was appointed as regent in 593 according to tradition, and was a fervent supporter of Buddhism. The hall was named after a large camellia tree next to it that is said to have grown from a staff made of camellia wood that Shotoku Taishi thrust into the ground. Sometimes this hall is used for the practice of “constantly-sitting samadhi” concentration.
S: Sanskrit
Tsubaki-do (Camellia Hall)
Shotoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku)
Kannon (S. Avalokitesvara)