光専寺

Have you ever wondered how a temple could be both serene and steeped in history? Well, step right up to the \u5149\u5c02\u5bfa, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, and let me tell you a story. \u5149\u5c02\u5bfa, meaning ‘Light and Virtue Temple’, boasts centuries of history. Located in the western part of Kyoto, this temple is renowned for its connection to a pivotal figure in Japanese Buddhism, Myoe. Myoe was a revered monk who, in 1206, established a temple called Hiidetemazukousanwoterasuyama-no-tera. This name, taken from the Avatamsaka Sutra, signifies the temple’s positioning on a high mountain, casting its light upon the world. But over time, fires and wars forced the temple to be rebuilt, leaving only its scripture hall, called Sekisui-in, intact. This hall, dating from the Kamakura period, showcases a remarkable Irimoyazukuri style, with a gabled, hipped, shingled roof. Throughout its history, \u5149\u5c02\u5bfa has held numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, many now residing in museums. Perhaps the most prominent are ink paintings from the 12th and 13th centuries, known as Ch\u014dj\u016b-jinbutsu-giga. These treasures speak volumes about the temple’s legacy as a center of art and learning. Looking around the temple, it’s difficult to imagine the devastation it has endured. But that resilience is what makes \u5149\u5c02\u5bfa so special. It stands today, a beacon of tranquility and a testament to the enduring spirit of Buddhism. Think of it as a quiet soul that has weathered storms and yet continues to shine brightly. You won’t forget this serene sanctuary. Just take a moment, close your eyes and feel the calmness of the \u5149\u5c02\u5bfa embrace you. This is what makes it a true gem of Kyoto.