Alight
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This is a photo of one of Renge-ji's prayer-hall statues (the main one is locked away inside an old wooden cabinet until festival days). I belatedly realised you are neither allowed to photograph inside the prayer hall or from inside the garden itself, but as this was my last photographic outing in Japan for some time I felt that breaking the rules was for once fine.
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21 05 10 - 01:31 - kieren - Photostory| - § ¶
Take with you the good
21 05 10 - 00:40 - kieren - Photostory| - § ¶
Renge-ji
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As it was my last day left in Kyoto before the flight, I got to choose one more place to visit. After thinking long and hard about my favourite spots, I thought it better to take a risk and try one of the few temples I have never been to. Renge-ji was close to Andy's house, beyond Takaragaike in the foothills that march up to Hiei-zan, and so it won by the single merit that I once heard good things about the garden.
Quite honestly I did not expect very much, but the place blew me away. It was, as I had read, very quiet and for most of the time I had the place to myself. And though it may well be because of a certain nostalgia growing in the emotional melodrama of leaving, I think it may well be my favourite of Kyoto's many temples, shrines and gardens. I especially loved the run-down feel of the temple, the beautifully clear pond and mossy garden, and the dragon painting glaring down from the ceiling of the prayer hall. Whilst clearly cared for, the garden immaculately tended, the plaster walls are cracked and many of the wooden pillars eaten away. Rather than take away from the magic of the place, it makes everything more special. The monk attendant was very friendly, and for once I took the time to sit down and contemplate the changes that are about to happen.
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21 05 10 - 00:09 - kieren - Photostory| - § ¶
About
Rhod and Ki's tour of life in Kyoto, Japan.
Last Comments
Jill Elswick (Healing stones): Beautiful photo & idea.
Ki (Gold for wealth, …): Yeah – it had this gaudy,…
ted (Gold for wealth, …): Hi Ki,
I found it just…
Ki (Gold for wealth, …): Hi Ted, Did you visit thi…
Ki (Hiei-zan framed): Hi Ted, Hope you are well…
ted (Hiei-zan framed): This was once my favorite…
ted (Gold for wealth, …): We got a big kick out of …
Ki (The amazing shogu…): Hi Sandy, I am really gla…
Sandy Barnes (The amazing shogu…): Thank you so much for the…
David (Get your skates o…): Dear Kieren,
I’m also f…
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