October 27, 2010

Ji-Myo-In


This gorgeous building can be found in Jimyoin Temple, which is a part of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism.

I happened to stumble upon this temple the other day, just as the chants inside the main temple started. The voices in perfect rhythm with the sound of drums was beautiful. I stood there for a few minutes just listening to their rich deep voices.


There were flowers placed at the foot of a statue, which I'm pretty sure the monks change everyday. These are various types of chrysanthemums, which is a flower traditionally given as offerings to temples. They are also common flowers seen in cemeteries, too.

It was such a beautiful day outside, I ended up taking tons of photos of this main temple.

18 comments:

VP said...

You are lucky to have a day of cood weather, the temple looks beautiful and interesting. It is not difficult to imagine the chants...

Tall Gary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tall Gary said...

Information on Shingon is here. Perhaps we might say that its headquarters are at the mountain monastic retreat of Mount Koya.

Here is some Buzan sect Shingon chanting with drums.

I get a lot of inner peace just looking at your photographs here. Thanks, Kaori. I also like the way you bookended the flowers with the temple building on top and bottom.

Unknown said...

Sure looks like a nice day. I do enjoy listening to chants - quite meditative.

Michael Valčić said...

Great shots! That statue in front of the building catches my eye.

B SQUARED said...

Shooting to the sound of chanting, Cool!

Lois said...

It's a beautiful place! I would love to have been able to hear the chants.

Halcyon said...

How lucky that you came upon this place just at the right time. I love the building.

arabesque said...

just from the look of it, seems to be a
quiet place to unwind or meditate.
i used to listen to those chants when i was a kid, back then, granny had to drag us to the temple, i miss those days. ^0^

and yes, chrysanthemums are their favorite. ^0^

Unknown said...

It surely is a beautiful building! And the little roof structure with the big bowl is lovely.

Al said...

I've never been to Japan, but I visited some temples when I was in South Korea. They are so beautiful, and your photos show this building very nicely.

T. Becque said...

What a wonderful scene to stumble upon! That must have been nice with the chanting. Are you allowed to go inside?

Tall Gary said...

By the way, is that a bamboo grove just behind you along the Yanasegawa River 柳瀬川?

Anonymous said...

In tune with the beat of a heart, this surely looks like a place where time knows only the good and beautiful. Thank you for this journey. Please have a wonderful Thursday.


daily athens

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a beautiful spot! Lovely that the monks change the flowers daily. Really would add to the experience. Thanks for sharing.

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Great photos and a truly interesting adventure.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Louis la Vache said...

«Louis» would have liked to have witnessed this. The temple is indeed beautiful.

Unknown said...

That is a beautiful temple! :)

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