Is it possible for a temple to be a treasure trove? I am standing before Daitokuji. Daitokuji is more than just a temple. It is a testament to Zen culture. Let me tell you about this sprawling complex in northern Kyoto.
Daitokuji is an independent Buddhist temple. It belongs to the Rinzai Zen school. Daitokuji was founded in 1315. Most of its buildings were destroyed during the Onin War. Ikkyu a famous Zen monk, helped rebuild it. Later, Daitokuji became associated with Sen no Rikyu. He developed the Japanese tea ceremony.
Daitokuji consists of main temple buildings. It also has twenty-two sub-temples. Each sub-temple is within its own walled structure. The complex is pleasant for walking and exploring. Many sub-temples are closed. They operate as cemeteries. However, some notable ones are open year-round.
Daitokuji houses Zen gardens, art, and relics. These features make it interesting. This is especially true for those interested in Buddhism. The vermilion gate of the main temple is grand. Visitors can peek inside the Buddha Hall. An overlooked spot is the bamboo-lined walkway. It leads to a side entrance.
Daitokuji possesses a Sanmon Gate. It also has a Dharma Hall. An Abbot’s Residence is here too. These are in the traditional Zen temple format. They are not usually open to the public. The Butsu-den is open to visitors. It is a large hall. It features a golden Buddha statue. The Sanmon Gate is impressive from the outside. Winding paths connect walled sub-temples. Pine trees and bamboo forests add to the beauty.
Koto-in is famous for its fall colors. It is located on the western side of Daitokuji. A long stone path leads to the entrance. The garden has many maples. One part of the garden is best viewed from inside. The other part has a path for strolling. There is an old well and a small cemetery.
Daisen-in is one of Daitokuji’s most important sub-temples. It was founded by the priest Kogaku Soko. Daisen-in is famous for its main hall. The hall is a National Treasure. It has stood for over 500 years. Its Zen garden looks like a Song Dynasty landscape painting.
Ryogen-in is near the Sanmon Gate. This sub-temple is known for its Zen gardens. There are five different gardens around the abbot’s quarters. Totekiko Garden is the smallest Zen Garden in Japan. Isshi-dan and Koda-tei are dry gardens. Ryogin-tei is a moss garden.
Zuiho-in was founded in 1535. It served as a family temple. It maintains many original structures. Its founder, Otomo, converted to Christianity. The temple has a dry landscape garden. Shigemori Mirei designed it. It also features the Garden of the Cross. A stone lantern hides the Virgin Mary beneath it.
Daitokuji was originally a small monastery. Monk Shuho Myocho founded it in 1315. Emperor Go-Daigo gave him the title Daito Kokushi. The temple was destroyed during the Onin War. Ikkyu rebuilt it with support from Sakai merchants. Toyotomi Hideyoshi selected Daitokuji as Oda Nobunaga’s burial place in 1582.
Sen no Rikyu renovated the Sanmon Gate in 1590. He installed a statue of himself. This angered Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He ordered Rikyu to commit suicide. As Zen Buddhism grew popular, Daitokuji prospered. Wealthy samurai commissioned sub-temples. Many sub-temples became private cemeteries.
Daitokuji stands as a symbol of cultural richness. Its history is full of influential figures. Its gardens provide peace. The temple is a treasure for those who seek to understand Japanese Zen. As you leave Daitokuji reflect on the stories held within these walls.