Wabi: Lonesome Beauty of Nanzenji

Simple beauty of Nanzenji in lingering snow

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

'Hojo Garden', also known as 'Tora-no-ko Watashi-no Niwa' (Garden of Tiger Cubs Crossing River), is a rock garden (Kare-Sansui Garden) in which large stones are placed.

There's nothing else but the canal tunnel! This is true Zen scenery!

Tea House 'Fushiki-an' is located in back of the main temple building of Nanzenji

'Rokudo Garden', also known as 'The Garden of Commandments'

These roof ornament tiles symbolize a perspective of Buddhism

Corridor connecting from Hojo to Ryu-en Kaku Hall

Lingering snow in 'Rokudo Garden' (Garden of Commandments)

Kara-mon Gate of Nanzenji Temple's main building

In late January of 2011, on one of the coldest winter days in Kyoto, coldness that freezes you to the bone, I visited Nanzenji Temple. These photos were taken with my frozen fingers.

One of the most characteristic cultures of Japan is 'Wabi Sabi'. Although I don't fully understand this concept, to me it is to accept things as they are, as natural as they are, and to enjoy them, even if they look too simple, too bare, too sad and lonely due to the lack of decoration or volume.

When I looked at the almost-bare trees and plants in the garden of Nanzenji Temple, I had a feeling similar to Wabi Sabi, and came to more fully understand it.

Nanzenji Temple; My Home Sweet Home 1. Miyabi: Subtle Beauty of Nanzenji 2. Wabi: Lonesome Beauty of Nanzenji 3. Sabi: Sad Beauty of Nanzenji