August 8, 2018

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu


In the intensive sunlight from the blinding midsummer sky, the graceful flowers of sacred lotus are coming into bloom magnificently above the pond surface covered with deep-green lotus leaves.

An unstained white flower of sacred lotus appears in a dignified manner from the depth of dirty mud water and, therefore, is referred to as the divine flower symbolizing the great wisdom and mercy of Buddha.

In Buddhist culture, there is a tradition that such a pure-white lotus flower blooms in Nirvana (Pure Land) and Amithaba (Amida Nyorai) is seated on it.

The blooming period of a lotus flower is about four days and its silky petals silently fall apart in the calm hot wind at last.




Sacred lotus flowers: Kencho-ji

Sacred lotus flowers: Kencho-ji


The seasons continue circling around and, once again, high summer has arrived here to present this marvelous composition of the lotus flowers and the golden floral decoration of the gate.

The strong sun is brightening up the pitch-black wooden gate on which the various gilded ornaments are finely attached.

The half-opening flowers of sacred lotus and the deep-green leaves are placidly vying with this gate in splendor and beauty.


Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flowers: Kencho-ji

Sacred lotus flowers: Kencho-ji

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flowers: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flowers: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Kaizo-ji


Sacred lotus flower: Kaizo-ji

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu

Sacred lotus flower: Tsurugaoka-hachimangu