Japanese Zelkova at the Dog’s Mound

Saint Rennyo who established the foundation for the development of the Jodo Shin Sect, had a narrow escape from the difficult situation of the prosecution by the monks from Hieizan, and fled to Otsu. Assassins put poison in Rennyo’s meal to kill him. Without knowing it, Rennyo was about to put the poisoned food in his mouth. Then, his loving dog suddenly turned over the meal and ate it all at once. Sadly, the suffering dog coughed blood and died. Rennyo cordially mourned his loving dog which sacrificed himself and buried him reverently. Now there is a large Japanese zelkova spreading its branches and leaves. At the foot of the tree, a stone monument engraved as “dog’s mound” stands.