In 1337 Emperor Hanazono converted his villa into Myoshin-ji. This wasn’t just any villa. It was in Hanazono a place known for its beautiful gardens. The emperor a lover of Zen meditation dedicated himself to the practice. He studied under Zen master Shōhō Myōchō and Kanzan Egen Myōchō’s disciple. Myoshin-ji Temple of the Enlightened Mind was born. This marked the beginning of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school. It’s a significant event in Kyoto’s history. The temple’s mountain name Shōbōzan Mountain of the True Dharma reflects its origins. Most Zen temples in China were in the mountains.
Myoshin-ji isn’t just the main temple. It has 46 sub-temples. There are also over 3400 affiliated temples worldwide. Around 7000 monks are associated with Myoshin-ji. The impact on Buddhist practice in Japan is immense. The temple complex is vast. It’s easy to get lost among the winding paths and high walls. The main buildings follow a north-south axis. This is typical of Japanese temple construction.
The temple has faced challenges throughout history. The Ōnin War in 1467 destroyed nearly all buildings. They were later rebuilt. The Edo shogunate’s Ji’in Hatto temple regulations affected Myoshin-ji. Monks protested in the Purple Robe Incident. The Meiji era saw the Shinbutsu Bunri Rei separating Buddhism and Shinto. Myoshin-ji survived these events. It established its current administrative system. It also founded a Zen training monastery. The Hannya Rin school a precursor to Hanazono University and Hanazono High School emerged during this period.
Myoshin-ji’s history is deeply intertwined with significant figures. Kanzan Egen served as the founding priest. Emperor Hanazono was the founding patron. The temple’s bell the Okikicho is remarkable. It’s the oldest known Buddhist temple bell in Japan. More impressively it is still in use today. Dating back to 698 it’s a testament to the temple’s enduring legacy. Visiting Myoshin-ji today means stepping into centuries of Zen tradition. It’s a place of peace and reflection. It’s a reminder of the strength and resilience of Buddhism in Kyoto. The gardens are breathtaking. The architecture is awe-inspiring. Myoshin-ji is a must-see for any visitor to Kyoto.