Can you imagine sixteen stones telling a tale? Welcome to Myoren-ji Temple. It is a sanctuary of tranquility and cultural richness in Kyoto. Today, we will discover its secrets.
Myoren-ji Temple was founded in 1294. Nichiren Daishonin entrusted Nichizo Shonin with missionary work in Kyoto. Nichizo then founded Myoren-ji Temple. The temple is the head temple of the Honmon Hokke school of Buddhism. This sect is a branch of Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiryo founded this sect.
Initially, it was named Myohorenji Temple. Later, it was abbreviated to Myoren-ji Temple.
Monks attacked the temple in 1536. They came from various sects. The Tendai sect on Mount Hieizan led them. They were jealous of the Hokke sect’s prosperity. Myoren-ji Temple and 21 other temples were reduced to ashes. The followers evacuated to Sakai.
The temple was reconstructed in Omiya, Kyoto in 1542. In 1587, the temple moved to its current location. Toyotomi Hideyoshi built the Juraku-dai then.
At that time, it was a large temple. It had 27 sub-temples within its precincts. A fire destroyed most of them in 1788. Only the treasure house and bell tower remained. The temple gradually recovered. It now has eight sub-temples.
Myoren-ji Temple has a dry landscape garden. It is called the Stone Garden of the Sixteen Arhats. Sixteen stones are placed in the garden. The largest stone is Gagyu-seki. It is the stone of a reclining cow. Legend says Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave this stone to the temple. The shape of the stone may represent the nirvana of the Buddha.
The largest stone represents the Buddha. The remaining stones are fifteen. There should be sixteen arhats. The remaining one is you. You are looking at the garden.
The temple preserves cultural assets. These include sliding door paintings by Hasegawa Tohaku. Contacting the temple in advance allows visitors to view the cultural treasures.
Myoren-ji is one of the oldest Nichiren Buddhist temples in Kyoto. It is located within the Kamigyo Ward. It is the head temple of the Honmon Hokke Sect since 1870. Myoren-ji has eight small sub-temples. Only the main temple is open to the public.
The highlight here is its beautiful dry landscape gardens. It is called Jurokurakan. This means the 16 disciples of Buddha. Also amazing are the paintings of the four seasons on the sliding doors. The fusuma are especially beautiful. Visit in early June. The rhododendrons will be in full bloom then. You can stay overnight at this temple. You can join the morning service of the monks at 6:30 am. Be aware that they serve no meals. You have to use a public bath.
The history of Myoren-ji dates back to 1295. The Buddhist priest Nichizo was the founder during the Kamakura Period. Like many other temples in Kyoto, its history includes relocation, destruction and reconstruction. The temple was rebuilt and relocated in 1394. In 1536, the temple was destroyed again. It was rebuilt in 1544 at a different location. In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the temple relocated to its current location. Another fire destroyed the temple in 1788. It was later rebuilt. Most of the existing buildings you see today are more than 200 years old.
Important cultural properties are here. Myoren-ji Temple contains many art pieces. They have the status of Important Cultural Property. Examples are the 38 screen and wall paintings. They depict plants, animals, and nature. Artists of the Hasegawa School created them. Find them in the entrance hall and the Oku Shoin. There are 3545 scrolls with sutras. Also 38 sutra boxes have this special status.
The dry landscape garden is a must see. Enjoy the rock and moss garden. See its 16 dark stones. They represent the 16 disciples of Buddha. The garden dates back to the early 1600s. It was recently restored to its original form. The peaceful inner garden contains a small water basin. Beautiful flowers and a stone lantern are also featured.
Myoren-ji used to be surrounded by small houses. Later, a school arrived. They promptly built a fence on the main edge of the garden. The trees mask the school a bit. They will do better in 20 years.
The garden is surrounded by temple buildings on three sides. One side has a granary. It is a classic white two-floor construction. Opposite it is the main hall. The side facing the school wall is unusual. It does not have full height sliding doors. It has western-like height windows and curtains. It is probably more recent.
Myoren-ji Temple stands as a testament to history.