Ever wonder about the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto? That title belongs to Kennin-ji. Today we are standing before this historic site. Kennin-ji was founded in 1202. It stands as a testament to Zen Buddhism’s rich history in Japan.
The temple’s story begins with Eisai. He was a monk credited with introducing Zen to Japan. Eisai brought tea cultivation to Japan after trips to China. He served as Kennin-ji’s founding abbot. Eisai is buried on these very grounds.
Kennin-ji was initially a blend of Zen, Tendai and Shingon practices. Later it became purely Zen. This transition occurred under the eleventh abbot, Lanxi Daolong. Dogen, founder of the Soto sect, also trained here. Kennin-ji is one of the Rinzai sect’s headquarter temples.
Kennin-ji faced many fires throughout history. The Onin War caused damage. Unrelated fires also took their toll. The temple was rebuilt in the 16th century. Donations came from nearby temples like Ankoku-ji and Tofuku-ji. Reconstructions continued through the Edo, Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras.
The Abbot’s Quarters came from Ankoku-ji in 1599. The Dharma Hall was built in 1765. A tea house dates back to 1587. Sen no Rikyu designed it for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Imperial Messenger Gate shows arrow marks. These marks are from the Kamakura period.
In 2002, Koizumi Junsaku created a stunning ceiling painting. It depicts two dragons. The artwork commemorated the temple’s 800th anniversary. The dragon symbolizes Buddhist teachings. Shokoku-ji also features a dragon ceiling painting.
Kennin-ji houses notable paintings. Tamura Soryu and Hashimoto Kansetsu created some. Tawaraya Sotatsu’s “Fujin and Raijin” screens are famous. Raijin is the god of lightning and thunder. Fujin is the god of wind.
“Twin Dragons” commemorates Kennin-ji’s founding. The installation took place in April 2002. The artwork measures 11.4m by 15.7m. It covers the size of 108 tatami mats. The artist completed it in an elementary school gymnasium.
As you explore Kennin-ji notice the Chokushi-mon Gate. This gate faces Yasaka-dori Road. It may have been relocated after the Onin War. The Sammon gate came from Annei-ji Temple in 1923.
The Hojo served as Abbot’s Quarters. It was relocated from Hiroshima’s Ankoku-ji Temple in 1599. Kaiho Yusho originally adorned each room.
The Toyobo teahouse hosted Shinnyodo Toyobo Chosei. He was a leading disciple of Sen no Rikyu. The teahouse design includes features common to the Yabunouchi family.
Kennin-ji holds National Treasures. “Fujin Raijin zu” is one of them. Sotatsu Tawaraya painted it. The screens depict Fujin and Raijin. Empty space adds to the dynamic effect.
Kennin-ji stands as a living monument. It embodies Zen Buddhism’s enduring influence. Its art architecture and history offer deep insights. Take a moment to reflect on the centuries of Zen practice here.