This venerable Zen temple at the foot of mountains features teahouses & serene, expansive gardens.

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Tenryu-ji

Tenryu-ji, nestled in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, distinguishes itself through its profound connection to Musō Soseki, the influential Zen master and garden designer. Unlike many Zen temples, Tenryu-ji's garden uniquely incorporates the surrounding Arashiyama landscape, creating a "borrowed scenery" effect, or shakkei, blurring the lines between the temple grounds and the natural world. The garden's central pond, Sogenchi, predates the temple itself, hinting at a deeper historical significance. A lesser-known fact is that Tenryu-ji was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo, who had died several years prior, reflecting a blend of Zen Buddhism and imperial ancestor veneration. The temple suffered multiple fires throughout history, but the garden, remarkably, retains its original design from the 14th century, offering a tangible link to Muromachi period aesthetics. The Cloud Dragon painting on the ceiling of the Hatto (Dharma Hall) is a relatively recent addition, completed in 1997 to commemorate the 650th anniversary of Musō Soseki's death, and is only displayed on special occasions.

Introduction

Tenryū-ji's grounds were once the site of the Kameyama Detached Palace, a summer villa used by Emperor Go-Saga in the 13th century, and later by Emperor Kameyama and Emperor Go-Daigo. In 1339, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji converted the palace into a Zen temple dedicated to praying for the spirit of the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo. Ashikaga and Go-Daigo had been allies in the 1333 war to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate and restore political power to the imperial throne. Following increasing tensions between the court and the samurai class Ashikaga had turned against the emperor and driven him and his army into exile on Mt. Yoshino south of the capital, where Go-Daigo died. The temple was formally dedicated on the seventh anniversary of Emperor Go-Daigo’s death in 1345, and a memorial service was performed in the emperor’s honor.

The temple was originally called Ryakuō Shisei Zenji, after the name of the imperial era in which it was founded. However, the warrior monks of Mt. Hiei objected to the name, and it was changed to Tenryū-ji after Ashikaga Takauji’s brother Tadayoshi had a dream of a golden dragon flying into the heavens from out of the Ōi River just south of the temple. With ties to the imperial family, Tenryū-ji prospered under the patronage of the Ashikaga family and the Muromachi period bakufu government.

Imperial History

Tenryu-ji Temple, a component of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, stands as a significant cultural landmark. Its inclusion recognizes the temple's profound historical and aesthetic value within the broader context of Kyoto's rich heritage. Established in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji and dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, Tenryu-ji is not only a head temple of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism but also a testament to Japanese landscape design.

The temple's Sogenchi Garden, created by Muso Soseki, is a celebrated example of integrating natural scenery with temple grounds, reflecting Zen principles of harmony and simplicity. This garden, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the oldest in Japan and a key element contributing to the site's UNESCO designation. Despite fires that destroyed many of the temple's buildings, the garden has been preserved, maintaining its original design and historical integrity.

The meticulous restoration efforts over the centuries have ensured that Tenryu-ji retains its cultural significance, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual and artistic heritage that led to its recognition as a World Heritage Site. The temple's architecture, though largely reconstructed, adheres to traditional designs, complementing the ancient garden and preserving the overall historical ambiance. This blend of historical landscape and rebuilt structures underscores Tenryu-ji's enduring legacy and its importance as a representation of Kyoto's cultural heritage.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tenryū-ji, a significant site for Zen Buddhism, was founded in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, who converted the Kameyama Detached Palace into a Zen temple to honor Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple's founding abbot was Musō Soseki, an eminent Zen master and teacher to both Ashikaga and Go-Daigo. Tenryū-ji provides visitors opportunities to engage with Zen practices, including monthly meditation sessions and shakyō (sutra copying).

The garden, designed by Musō Soseki, embodies Zen principles through its landscape design, particularly the Sōgen Pond, which uses shakkei (borrowed scenery) to merge the garden with the surrounding mountains. The arrangement of stones on the pond's bank represents the Dragon Gate Falls, symbolizing the Zen concept of enlightenment.

Tenryū-ji's Dharma Hall features a cloud dragon painting symbolizing the all-seeing eyes that protect Buddhism. The temple's history includes its establishment on the site of Danrin-ji, founded by Emperor Saga's wife, Tachibana no Kachiko, who invited Gikū Zenshi, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk from China, making it the first Zen temple in Japan. This deep connection to Zen Buddhism is evident in its architecture, garden design, and the practices it offers to visitors.

Zen Buddhism Influence

Tenryu-ji Temple, established in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji, distinguishes itself through its garden, a creation of the renowned Zen master and garden designer Musō Soseki. Soseki's design integrates the natural landscape of Arashiyama, featuring a central pond, rocks, and pine trees, crafting a serene and visually stunning environment. This garden, remarkably preserved in its original form, showcases Soseki's landscape design principles, setting it apart from the temple buildings that have undergone reconstruction due to fires.

Soseki, also responsible for gardens at Kokedera and Toji-in, applied his expertise to reflect Zen Buddhism through the garden's layout and elements. The garden serves not only as a visual masterpiece but also as a spiritual space, designed to ease the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo. The meticulous arrangement of natural elements exemplifies Soseki's approach to garden design, emphasizing harmony and meditation.

Visitors can observe Soseki's design from various vantage points within the temple grounds, including the main hall and surrounding pathways. The garden's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport visitors to a realm of tranquility, showcasing the artistic and spiritual depth of Soseki's work. The integration with the Arashiyama mountains further enhances the garden's natural beauty, making it a key feature of Tenryu-ji and a testament to Soseki's genius.

Musō Soseki Garden Design

Tenryu-ji, a significant Zen temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, exemplifies shakkei, the Japanese art of 'borrowed scenery.' The temple's garden, dating back to the mid-14th century, was designed by Musō Soseki, a Zen master, who skillfully integrated the surrounding Arashiyama mountains into the garden's design. This technique lends the garden a sense of depth and continuity, blurring the boundary between the man-made landscape and the natural world.

The Sōgen Pond, the garden's centerpiece, is arranged with large stones that represent the Dragon Gate Falls on the Yellow River in China. This arrangement is a prime example of shakkei, using the distant mountains as a backdrop to enhance the symbolic narrative of the garden. The falls symbolize the Zen concept of enlightenment, where carp that leap the falls transform into dragons.

The garden's design ensures that the Arashiyama mountains are not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the garden's aesthetic and spiritual experience. The careful placement of plants, stones, and water features complements the natural scenery, creating a harmonious and immersive environment. The borrowed scenery changes with the seasons, offering visitors a unique perspective throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring to the vibrant foliage in autumn. Visiting early or on weekdays is recommended to fully appreciate the tranquil beauty and avoid crowds.

Shakkei (Borrowed Scenery)

Tenryū-ji's Dharma Hall is renowned for its Cloud Dragon painting on the ceiling, a significant feature symbolizing the dragon's all-seeing protection of Buddhism. The eyes are painted using the happo-nirami ("all direction gaze") technique, creating the illusion that the dragon's gaze follows you from any point within the hall. This artwork was created in 1997 by the celebrated Japanese painter Matazō Kayama. It was commissioned as part of the commemorative projects for the 650th anniversary of the death of Musō Soseki.

The Dharma Hall itself serves as the venue for Tenryū-ji's important religious ceremonies, adding to the painting's cultural and spiritual significance. The Cloud Dragon painting is a relatively recent addition, yet it has quickly become one of the temple's most iconic features, drawing visitors interested in both art and Buddhist symbolism. The painting not only commemorates Musō Soseki but also enriches the temple's artistic legacy. It serves as a modern masterpiece within the historical context of Tenryū-ji. The artwork enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the Dharma Hall, inviting contemplation on the protective and all-encompassing nature of Buddhist teachings.

Tenryu-ji

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