Tucked away on a hill beside the Chikugo River, near Kurume Station, rests Bairinji Temple. This isn’t just any temple. Bairinji, also known as Plum Grove Temple, holds centuries of history, vibrant blossoms, and a deep connection to Zen Buddhism. Bairinji Temple dates back to the 17th century. It remains an active center for the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Monks from all over Japan gather at Bairinji for an intensive form of Zen training. This training, open to the public, involves zazen meditation, shared meals, and chores. This practice is known as samu, or “moving zazen.” The temple’s name, Plum Grove Temple, reflects its stunning outer garden. Around 500 plum trees, donated by locals in 1958, bloom from mid-February to mid-March. Their pink and white blossoms fill the air with a sweet fragrance, drawing visitors to enjoy tea and sweets beneath the flowering branches. Bairinji Temple safeguards over 600 cultural assets. Among these treasures are the “Shaka Sanzon,” a silken hanging scroll depicting three Buddhas, and a painting of Mount Fuji by the Edo-period artist Ogata Korin. The temple grounds also house the tombs and mausoleums of successive lords of the Kurume Domain. Bairinji Temple represents a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual practice, and historical significance. It’s a place where the fragrance of plum blossoms mingles with the quiet hum of meditation, offering a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture and tradition.
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