Introduction to Nanzenji temple
Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291. It is the head temple of the Nanzenji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. The temple grounds contain many valuable buildings, including the Hojo hall (National Treasure) and the Sanmon gate (Important Cultural Property).
The main hall with its impressive dragon painting
My favorite part of Nanzenji Temple is the Hatto (main hall). It was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1909, so it is not a particularly old building in Kyoto. However, it is wide and has a heavy feel to it, which makes it very attractive.
Inside the building, the neatly laid tiled floor is beautiful. In the center are enshrined Sakyamuni, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra.
Furthermore, there is an impressive painting of a dragon on the ceiling.
Zen meditation
At Nanzenji Temple, zen meditation sessions are held on the second and fourth Sunday mornings of every month. Hours are 6:00-7:00 a.m. from April to October, and 6:30-7:30 a.m. from November to March. No reservation is required to participate.
(Closed on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of August, the 4th Sunday of December, and the 2nd Sunday of January).
The venue was a building called Ryuenkaku. It was located by going through the Sanmon Gate and following the path to the left of the Hatto (main hall).
As I entered the entrance, there was a reception desk where I wrote my name. The room for zen meditation was on the second floor and was a very large Japanese-style room.
After I put my luggage down and sat down on the cushions that were laid out, the monk explained to us how to sit.
First, I took a deep breath and stretched to loosen up my body. I sat with one foot crossed on my thigh. If you can’t cross your legs, it’s okay to sit cross-legged. I straightened my back and took a deep, slow breath through my nose.
There were three 10-minute sets of zen meditation. For the third set, we all moved with our cushions and did zen meditation in front of the garden.
I could hear the babbling water, the birds singing and feel the wind blowing, and it really calmed my mind.
Shukubo (temple stay)
In front of the temple is the Nanzen Kaikan where you can stay overnight.
Toji temple(Kyoto) Beautiful pagoda and Buddha statues
