Kyoto Unryu-in Temple: The tranquility of the soul reflected in the four windows
Unryu-in Temple, Kyoto | The tranquility of the soul reflected in the four windows
"Silence isn't about not being bothered. It's about having a clear mind."
Unryu-in Temple, nestled deep within Kyoto's Sennyuji Temple, is a place that teaches us this kind of tranquility.
As the head temple of the Sennyuji branch of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, this hidden gem temple is known only to those in the know for its sutra copying experiences and the Window of Enlightenment.
The Four-Piece Window | Seasonal Stories Told by Camellias, Lanterns, Maples, and Pines
The Renge-no-Ma room at Unryu-in Temple has four windows.
From each window you can see camellias, lanterns, maples, and pine trees.
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Camellia is a quiet passion.
The lanterns are a prayer to light the night.
Kaede is a heart that changes color while being confused.
The pine tree represents unwavering will.
These four views are not just landscapes, but mirrors that reflect the state of one's mind.
Sutra copying experience | Arranging words, a dialogue of the heart
At Unryu-in Temple, you can try copying sutras.
Holding the brush, surrounded by the scent of ink, you carefully write each character.
That time is a quiet journey to face your inner self.
Every time I write, the uneasiness in my mind disappears.
Once I had the words in order, I gradually became aware of my emotions.
Even beginners can participate with confidence, and it is a popular experience among young women.
Dragon sliding door painting | Seeing movement in something motionless
The "Dragon Sliding Door Painting" at Unryu-in Temple is a mysterious piece of work in which the dragon looks different depending on the angle from which you view it.
It is sometimes open to the public in the Year of the Dragon, and is imbued with the philosophy of stillness and movement.
The sound of the Suikinkutsu | What you can hear is the space in your heart
There is a "Suikinkutsu" (water chime) on the grounds, and if you listen carefully, you can hear clear sounds coming from underground.
is a sound that dwells in the silence of soundlessness.
In the midst of your busy days, this may be an opportunity to take a surprise.