Kyoto

Aug 31, 2014 - 1 min read

Lush Verdure of Ohara Sanzen-in

Saicho said: 'Each individual is a national treasure'

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

When you hear the name of Sanzen-in, the first thing that comes to your mind must be this building...Ojo Gokuraku-in!

Moss spreading wide in front of Suzakumon Gate. Under the sunshine, the lush green of the moss looks like a velvety carpet

Shuheki-en Garden in front of the reception hall. How tranquil!

I stopped in my tracks and appreciated the serene view of this brilliant garden that sits in front of the reception hall

I kept looking at Shuheki-en Garden. My mind was empty and I just wanted to be there for a long, long time

A small room on the way to the reception hall from a reception area. I was drawn to the beautiful small window here

An impressive moss-covered stone lantern. It looks as though rough-edged natural stones are piled up ever so casually

Unique, pretty jizo statues of children. They are very popular here!

At Enyu-zo (Treasure House), you can receive red seals with the names of every Buddha statue the temple houses (300 yen per one red seal) including three national treasure statues

No matter how many times I see Ojo-Gokurakuin, it never ceases to calm my mind. Inside, there are three statues of Amida Nyorai, which are national treasures. To house these treasures, the ceiling of this building is made in the shape of a ship's bottom

Ohara Sanzen-in was founded by the renowned Japanese monk Saicho. When he built Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, he first built a small hut here, which was the origin of this temple. Sanzen-in is 'Miya Monzeki', meaning the head priests here have been Imperial family members for since a long time in the past.

The monk Saicho said, 'Ten gold coins won't make a national treasure; the lights that shine in the hidden corners of a country are its national treasures'. This means individual people who understand what they are and what they can do, and who do their best in their capacity, are national treasures.

This sublime, spiritual teaching of Saicho permeated this sanctuary-like temple grounds, and even I, a layman, was overwhelmed by its sublime depth.

More info

Find out more about Sanzen-in Temple.

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Masayoshi Hirose

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

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Takako Sakamoto

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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