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.
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