There
are said to be 1000 Buddhist temples in Kyoto, and it does seem like
you glimpse one every time you turn a corner. Yesterday we spent
much of the day exploring the vast temple complex of Chion-In, which
is the headquarters of the Jodo School, one of the most popular
Buddhist sects in Japan. It was founded in 1234, and the oldest of
the present buildings date to the 17th century. It's a
beautiful and very atmospheric place with chanting monks, burning
incense, golden Buddhas, temple bells, cemeteries, gardens, cawing
ravens and praying pilgrims. Not to mention the amazing architecture.
It was a bright overcast day and quite
cold, with light snow showers in the morning, but we were dressed for
it. Fortunately, we haven't spent enough time in Hawaii yet to lose
our tolerance for cold temperatures. Here in Kyoto we're seeing highs in the
40s and lows in the 30s – not much different than winter
temperatures at home in Olympia. And today it rained all day –
also not much different than Olympia.
Chion-In
Deborah
Golden Buddha
Inside one subtemple, looking across at another.
Zen garden.
The Main Gate.
That's me in the hoodie, trying to stay warm.
Cemetery - We think the ski-like things are some sort of prayer sticks.
A raven in the cemetery - how appropriate is that?
Prayer rugs and drums for your chanting pleasure.
Check out that roof line.
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