February 17, 2011

The Shari-den of Engaku-ji


Snow is called "ten-ge" (celestial flowers) in Buddhist terminology, which means "the flowers that bloom in the celestial world." The paper flowers scattered before the Buddha's image in Buddhist rituals are also called "ten-ge."

The sudden night snow of early spring was quietly scattered like innumerable white petals on the Shari-den (the hall of Buddha's bones) to celebrate the return of the time of rebirth and growth.

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