The steep straight stone stairs between the San-mon Gate and the main hall were built in 1632. Bodaitei literally means the stairs of spiritual awakening. There are 287 steps, a number derived from the 41 teachings related to the seven Chinese characters of the Na-mu-myo-ho-ren-ge-kyo (Lotus Sutra); and the stairs are also divided into seven sections. It is said that going up the stone stairs brings us to the main hall, which is considered Nirvana, a state of liberation; therefore, believers of the sutra go up the stairs while chanting the teachings.