Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree roots: Engaku-ji

 

Byakusin (Juniperus chinensis) trees and Botan (Paeonia suffruticosa) flowers: Kencho-ji

Along the entrance path leading to the Buddha Hall, a cluster of old Byakushin (Chinese juniper) trees are firmly standing tall, which are over 750 years old and were planted when this Zen temple was built in the 13th century. 

The robust and steady growth of these majestic trees symbolically represents the religious life of a trainee monk who seeks the ultimate wisdom and enlightenment.

The evergreen needle-leaves that twist and rise up like blazing green flames make me sense the strong and ascetic life force of these old trees.

The large brightly-colored flowers of Botan (peony), which are described as the most celebrated spring flower in the Eastern tradition, are blooming by the side of these evergreen trees to attend them like graceful noble ladies.

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.

Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree: Kencho-ji

Like an ascetic monk who is solemnly determined to practice silence, this old Byakusin tree continues standing still through all kinds of hardships in its life of 750 years.

The wind, sun, rain, and snow have heavily weathered the intricately-twisted trunk of this tree and deep green moss is compassionately covering the bare surface of this waved trunk.

Byakusin (Chinese juniper)Bya tree: Kencho-ji

The evergreen needle leaves of this aged Byakusin tree keep growing thick as always for about 750 years since the building of this old Zen-temple.

Byakusin tree: Kencho-ji

The trunk of an old Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree: Kencho-ji

In the gardens of Zen temples, a Byakusin tree is an emblem of the ascetic life for spiritual awakening.

Its flouncing trunk and evergreen needle leaves symbolize the harsh discipline and the perfect enlightenment which Zen monks must pursue.

A Byakusin (Juniper) tree in Kencho-ji

The sturdy and rugged bark of the old Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree always reminds me of the mind of an enlightened person.

The seedling of this juniper tree is said to have been planted by the founder of this Zen temple about 760 years ago.

A Byakusin tree grows steadily without haste and never loses its evergreen leaves even in the cruelest winters.

The nature of this tree symbolizes the sincere and pure attitude of the Zen trainee monks who are in pursuit of their spiritual enlightenment.

A Byakusin (Chinese juniper) tree in Kenchou-ji

Byakusin trees are planted as the symbol for the spiritual cultivation of Zen Buddhism in the gardens of Zen temples.

This old tree is one of the Byakusin trees which have grown up from the seeds planted when this Kencho-ji temple was founded in 1253.

The vigorous twisted trunk and the evergreen needles of this tree symbolize the principle of a zen trainee monk who persistently continues to improve themselves for achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Children under a Byakusin tree in Engaku-ji temple

Many children were picnicking and playing livelily in the front garden of the Butsuden (Buddha hall).

In the mild spring sunlight, it appeared to me that these spirited children were the adorable incarnation of this joyful springtime.

The Byakusin tree, which symbolizes Zen spirit, was fondly watching over these flowerlike children.

Byakusin buds in Kencho-ji temple

The bell tower of Jochi-ji temple

The bell tower and the "Byakusin" (Juniper) trees were exposed to the dazzling sunlight of the late afternoon.

A Byakusin tree is symbolic of the zen discipline and is found in every zen garden of Kamakura. This evergreen tree is believed to keep its greenness without withering and grow persistently without stopping.

A Byakusin (Sabina chinensis) tree in Kecho-ji temple

A "Byakusin" tree is a typical and essential tree of the temples of Zen Buddhism. According to the teaching of old zen teachers, the unhurried and continuous growth of a Byakusin tree symbolises the gradual and ever-progressing process of the spiritual enlightenment in Zen Buddhism.

The gate shown in this picture is a gate to one of the Zazen training facilities of this Kenchou-ji temple.