Zen garden: Zuisen-ji

The stone cave named "Ten-nyo do" (the cave of the goddess of mercy) is carved in a large rock in the northern corner of the temple grounds. 

This cave was made as a place for "Suigetsu-kan" (water and moon viewing meditation), which is one of the typical ascetic practices of Rinzai-Zen school.

A pond named "Choseichi" (the pond of pure water) was dug in front of this cave. The center of the pond was formed as an island. On the left side of the pond, there are a waterfall basin, a waterfall-divider stone, and a vertical rock wall which works as an artificial waterfall of stored rain water. 

There are two small wooden bridges, which lead to the mountain path to the humble hut named "Ichiran-tei" (the sightseeing arbor) above the pond.

This subtle and profound "Iwa-niwa" (rock garden) is said to be the initial archetype of Zen gardens of Japan and was originally landscaped by Muso Soseki. He was a renowned Zen priest of the Rinzai sect, a garden designer, and a poet, who lived from the end of the Kamakura period to the early Muromachi period (1275―1351).

Fern: Zuisen-ji

Tsukubai (stone washbasin) : Zuisen-ji

In the quiet shade of thick green leaves, a small stone statue of Jizo Kannon is standing still to receive the visitors to this remote Zen temple.

Zen-garden: Zuisen-ji

This tranquil rock garden was originally designed by Muso Soseki in 14th century.

To symbolically present the landscape of enlightenment, this garden was deliberately prepared by excavating and carving natural rock wall.

The central cave called "Ten-nyo-do" (celestial nymph's cave) was used as a training chamber for the Zen meditation practiced while watching the moon reflected on the water surface of the pond.

Shida (fern) leaves: Zuisen-ji

Autumn leaves in Zuisen-ji

Like the layers of sunset clouds, the beautiful gradation of autumnal colors is floating over the small quiet stream.

Autumn leaves in Zuisen-ji

The silver gray roofs of the Buddha hall and the Jizo shrine are dully shining on the hillside which displays rich autumnal tints. This peaceful view reminds me of a classic Chinese landscape painting.

Ajisai (Hydrangea) flowers in Zuisen-ji

Zen garden in Zuisen-ji temple

I visited the zen garden of Zuisen-ji temple which is called the Temple of Flowers.

This rock garden was designed by Muso Soseki who was one of the eminent zen teacher and garden architect in the golden era of Zen Buddhism of Japan.

A pond, caves, islands and a waterfall (not shown) are symbolically created in a huge mass of rock. There are three little wooden bridges across the pond.

Maple leaves in Zuisen-ji temple