Is it possible that this Hatto, this sermon hall before us, holds stories of emperors and Zen masters? It does. We are standing before the Hatto of Nanzenji Temple. It is a place where echoes of history resonate.
Nanzenji Temple is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples. It was founded about 710 years ago in 1291. Emperor Kameyama built it as his retirement villa in 1264. He then converted to Zen. Nanzenji became a Zen temple. Emperor Kameyama took the title of Great Priest.
During the Muromachi Period, Nanzenji’s status rose. It became Gosanshijo. This meant a status higher than that of Gosan. Gosan represented the five major Zen temples in Kyoto. Nanzenji Temple was placed above them. The temple has been destroyed by fire three times. The present structure was built during the Edo Period.
Now, let’s focus on this Hatto. It is the central structure of the Nanzenji Temple complex. Formal events and official Buddhist ceremonies are held here. The original structure was destroyed by fire. The current building was rebuilt in 1909.
Inside Hatto are three statues. They represent the Gautama Buddha, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Look up. On the ceiling, there is a painting of a dragon. It was created by Imao Keinen. He was an artist active during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Imagine the scene during a formal ceremony. Monks chant. The scent of incense fills the air. Sunlight streams through the windows illuminating the Buddha statues. The dragon on the ceiling seems to come alive.
Beyond the Hatto lies more beauty. To the south, you will see a brick structure as you go towards Nanzenin. This is the Suirokaku Aqueduct. It’s a popular spot for photos. It was constructed in 1890 to bring water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto.
Nanzenin is also worth a visit. It is famous for its garden with a path around a pond. Emperor Kameyama donated his palace. This is where Nanzenji got its start.
The garden is a vestige from that time. It’s typical of the ponds with paths around them that were popular during the Kamakura Period. High Priest Kameyama created the garden himself. Today, it is considered one of the three most scenic historical gardens in Kyoto.
The Hatto stands as a testament to Nanzenji’s enduring legacy. It has seen emperors, fires, and rebirths. It remains a place of spiritual significance and artistic beauty. As you leave this hall, carry with you the echoes of its rich past and the serene beauty of Nanzenji Temple.