Did the statues at Choanji Temple always have such character? Choanji Temple (長安寺) sits nestled in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone. Founded in 1356, this Soto Zen Buddhist temple offers a serene escape. Walking trails weave through the wooded grounds and cemetery. But the real magic of Choanji lies in its statues. Over two hundred rakan, disciples of Buddha, populate the temple grounds. These aren’t your typical serene statues. Their construction began in the 1980s and continues to this day. Each rakan possesses a unique personality. Some faces are contemplative and serious. Others are casual and even humorous. Their modern artistic style and expressiveness sets them apart from other rakan collections. Choanji Temple is also known for its vibrant autumn foliage, peaking around mid-November. Five hundred arhats, disciples who achieved enlightenment, are also depicted among the bamboo groves. Their expressions, ranging from joy to anger, capture the spectrum of human emotion. It’s said you’ll even find one that resembles you. The creation of these arhats started in 1985 and is an ongoing project, adding to the temple’s evolving story.
長安寺
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