“Enlightened Mind” is how Myoshinji Temple is known in Japanese. This is our destination. We are standing before Myoshinji Temple a Zen temple of the largest scale in Japan. It is a serene escape in the heart of Kyoto.
Myoshinji Temple has a rich history. Emperor Hanazono converted his villa into a Zen temple in 1337. He named it Myoshin-ji Temple. The citizens of Kyoto call the temple “Nishi no Gosho” West Imperial Palace.
Myoshinji Temple is the head temple of the Myoshin-ji School of the Rinzai Sect. There are approximately 3400 temples belonging to this school throughout Japan. It is a vast complex with 46 sub-temples. Stone paths interconnect the sub-temples.
Let’s explore the main buildings. The Sanmon Gate the Butsuden Hall the Hatto Hall and the Ohojo building stand in a row. The Sanmon Gate and Butsuden Hall are important cultural properties. You can only observe them from the outside.
The Hatto Hall is open to visitors for a fee. Look up at the ceiling. You will see a giant painting of a dragon. It is called “Happo Nirami no Ryu” Dragon that stares in all directions. The dragon’s gaze seems to follow you no matter where you stand. This artwork took painter Tanyu Kano eight years to complete. Inside the hall is one of Japan’s oldest temple bells. It dates back to the 7th century.
Many sub-temples reside here. Taizoin Temple is the most famous. It features a beautiful pond garden constructed in the mid 1960s. It is considered one of the best gardens of the Showa Period. The rock garden was designed in the 1400s by Kano Motonobu.
Taizoin Temple holds the Shihon Bokuga Tansai Hyonenzu by Josetsu. This is a masterpiece of early Suiboku-ga India-ink paintings. Hyonenzu depicts a koan about holding down a slippery catfish with a slick gourd. The original is at the Kyoto National Museum.
Keishunin Temple is another sub-temple. It was founded in 1558. It has two gardens of varied size and character. You can view the gardens from the teahouse attached to the temple.
Daishinin Temple is the smallest sub-temple. It has a Peony Garden. The garden features a pretty flowerbed surrounded by cut stones.
Take a moment to appreciate the atmosphere. Myoshinji offers a tranquil escape. It is a place where you can connect with history. It is a place where you can contemplate the beauty of Zen gardens.