Although many beautiful gardens exist in Kyoto, no survey of Zen gardens would be complete without appreciating the garden here at Daisen-in in person.
This is because the garden situated in these temple grounds can be said to be the origin of the dry landscape garden concept, a style that has been passed down over 500 years to the present day.
Dry landscape gardening is a style which aims to depict mountains and rivers without using water, a style which ultimately came to be seen as an indispensable part of any Zen temple.
This tradition of the Zen-styled dry landscape garden actually started at Daisen-in.
At the entrance of the temple grounds, you will find yourself welcomed by aged wooden buildings that have watched over the temple throughout its history.
Inside the building, your eye will be caught by the partition paintings, created by the greatest artists of their era.
Daisen-in is one of the few tatchu sub-temples in Daitoku-ji temple compound which are open to the public all year round.
Looking at this famous garden and the temple architecture of Daisen-in, you will see the history of Zen culture, passed down for 500 years, being recreated before your eyes.
No comments:
Post a Comment