December 8, 2011

Autumn leaves in the Sogen-chi garden of Tenryu-ji (Kyoto)



I made a brief trip to Kyoto to appreciate the exquisite autumnal leaves in the gardens of Zen.

Fortunately, the weather was good and the flaming autumnal colors remained at peak.

The breathtaking beauty of the gorgeously colored gardens produced the illusions in my mind that I was standing in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha.

Tenryu-ji is the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This elegant pond garden is one of the great achievements of Muso Soseki, who was the first chief priest of this temple and is reputed to be the most eminent Zen garden designer in Japan.

No comments: