From the ashes of an imperial villa, Myōshin-ji emerged. It rose in 1337, transformed by the will of a retired emperor. Emperor Hanazono, the 95th emperor of Japan, found solace in the serene western outskirts of Kyoto. This area, known as Hanazono, meaning “flower garden,” became his sanctuary. He traded the complexities of court life for the quiet contemplation of Zen. His villa, once a place of leisure, became Myōshin-ji, the “Temple of the Enlightened Mind.” Myōshin-ji isn’t just a single temple. It’s the head of the Myōshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The complex houses forty-six subtemples, each a testament to the enduring power of Zen. The temple’s reach extends far beyond its walls. Over three thousand four hundred temples across Japan and the world are affiliated with Myōshin-ji. Thousands of monks follow its teachings, ensuring the legacy of Emperor Hanazono and his Zen master, Kanzan Egen. Myōshin-ji also carries forward the emperor’s legacy in education. Affiliated institutions like Hanazono University, Hanazono High School, Hanazono Middle School, and Rakusai-Hanazono Kindergarten continue to nurture minds young and old. Myōshin-ji stands as a quiet reminder of the transformative power of faith. It embodies the emperor’s journey from temporal power to spiritual enlightenment. Visit Myōshin-ji. Walk its peaceful grounds. Reflect on the emperor’s choice. Perhaps you too will find a piece of enlightenment in this tranquil corner of Kyoto.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to