December 24, 2011

The garden of Zen in Shokoku-ji (Kyoto)


This renowned garden of Zen is called "the garden of Ryu-en-sui."
 "Ryu-en-sui" means "the water of the abyss where a dragon lives."

This garden is one of the great gardens designed by Muso Soseki in the 15th century. This garden is located in front of "Kaizan-to" (the founder's hall) of this Zen temple.

The colored wood statue of Muso Soseki is enshrined in this Kaizan-to as the great founder of this temple.

The stone-built ditch outside the Kare-sansui rock garden was once filled with clear running water.

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