In the heart of Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture, stands Jikō-in, a tranquil testament to Japanese history and spirituality. Right now, you might mistake its simple exterior for an ordinary farmhouse. However, the Jikō-in temple holds a captivating story, deeply entwined with the renowned tea master, Katagiri Sadamasa, known as “Sekishu”. Built in 1663, Jikō-in served as a memorial to Sekishu’s father, a prominent figure in the Daitokuji-branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Sekishu, a tea instructor to Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna, infused the very essence of his tea ceremony principles into Jikō-in’s design. The unassuming farmhouse-like structure, with its thatched roof and tiled eaves, embodies the Zen aesthetic of simplicity and tranquility. Step inside the Shoin, the temple’s main hall, and you’ll be struck by its serene ambiance. This building, a National Important Cultural Property, features a unique design element. The upper room, intended for gatherings and contemplation, lacks the traditional railings, lending an air of spaciousness and tranquility. Notice the low ceilings and strategically placed windows, designed by Sekishu to enhance the sensory experience of the tea ceremony. Jikō-in transcends mere architecture. It embodies the spirit of Zen and the art of tea, inviting you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the simple beauty of the present moment.
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