As we walked or rode bikes around town, we saw many, many temples and shrines of all sizes. Some were the size of a library box here in the US, others were large beautiful buildings on acres of land with a water source, gardens, elegant buildings, and multiple gift shops.
Each temple we saw had something unique or interesting -- a view of the mountains that the temple capitalized on; a set of unique trees; a sand garden exquisitely maintained to show rows of sand raked into elegant patterns. Each offered solace, quiet, and space in a densely populated society. Each was accessible to everyone. The frequency of the temples allowed people the ability to pray, make offerings, and easily seek peace without traveling far. The diversity of size from library-box size to many acres of gardens allowed there to be something for everyone at any place.
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| This is the first temple I recognized as a temple. It's at the base of the Tokyo Tower, seen in background. |
On our bike ride in Kyoto with Takaaki, he took us to the "Mountain Temple." While looking through the gates of the temple, a view of the mountain was sharp, symmetric, and clear. He said, "Should there be a fire and burn down the buildings, the view of the mountain would remain."
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| Kyoto Mountain Temple |
The longer I stayed, the more I recognized temples or religious structures when I saw them. Distinctive wing-like roofs, often etched with a tri-shaped yin/yang signifying water (to retard or prevent fires), helped each temple stand out.
At or near the entrance to each temple was a well with long-handled spoons. Protocol was to fill the ladle with water, pour the water over your left hand. Then transfer the ladle to your left hand, then pour the water over your right hand. Then transfer the ladle to your right hand, cup your left and pour some water into your left hand. You would then drink the water, wash out your mouth. (Guides encouraged you to spit out the water as it was unclean.) then you would again wash your left hand. You'd pour the last of the water over the handle by holding the ladle vertically. You were then washed, clean, and could enter the temple. This washing well is more elaborate in that it has flowers in it and a concrete frog with a bib watching over the well.
Often, the temples were smaller and in convenient places. (no washing well for these)
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| In Toki, at an intersection. |
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| In Toki, by a path around a lake. Maintained with flowers, incense. |
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| In Kyoto, small library-box size temple |
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| In Kyoto. this is one of the 6,000 temples in the city. |
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| Kyoto, a temple garden with concrete buddhas |
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| Kyoto Temple |
In Kyoto, Takaaki showed us many temples, including those not frequented by tourists. Even though there is greenery and trees in the picture and it appears to be in a rural area, this is within the city. Temples are frequent and accessible for quiet and contemplation for all people. The temple below had homes for monks in residence.
The grandest temple he showed us was the temple covered in gold leaf. It doesn't look real.... I had noted quietly to myself the significant crowd composed of hundreds of school children and people back to back, walking slowly and patiently waiting for others to finish their photos. Takaaki was beaming. He said how pleased he was that we had arrived early enough to beat the crowd. "Isn't it great that there's not so many people here?" When he saw me register surprise, he said, "This is Kyoto, remember."
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Kinkaku-ji or "Temple of the Golden Pavilion," A world Historic Site. In Kyoto.
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Because this looks fake, I need to include a picture of us.
The gardens and tourist shops at the Golden Temple were extensive. We saw a worker, meticulously trimming a bush. Takaaki told us that it was a great honor to work at a temple like this; the gardeners were greatly revered.
It's important to be humble entering a temple. Do not step on the threshold; step over it. Bow if you enter. You won't forget to bow because the entryways are purposely short so you MUST bow.
The first day in Kyoto, we walked to the most iconic of the temples -- the 5-story Toji Pagoda. (More on the number 5 in the "miscellaneous" post of this blog.) While closed, we photographed from the outside. If you look closely at the ends of the beams in the foreground, you'll see a triple-looking yin-yang symbol. This is for water; it safeguards against fire.
The gardens and tourist shops at the Golden Temple were extensive. We saw a worker, meticulously trimming a bush. Takaaki told us that it was a great honor to work at a temple like this; the gardeners were greatly revered.
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