March 11, 2020

Byakusin (Juniperus) flowers: Engaku-ji

Byakusin (Juniperus) flowers: Engaku-ji


In the front yard of the Hojo (main hall), an old Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree is standing still in solitude for hundreds of years like a Zen monk who keeps meditating everlastingly.

Every spring, this aged tree bears a great number of humble yellow flowers as if to be grateful for the return of the beautiful season of regrowth.

According to the style of architecture of the Zen temples introduced by Sung of China, evergreen Byakusin trees are planted in the frontcourt of Butsu-den (Buddha hall) as the symbol of the state of perfect enlightenment.


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