The Daruma doll, also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, Daruma has a design that Continue reading «Durama Doll Lining the Path to Adashino Nenbutsuji in Kyoto!»

Ikkyu-ji, formally known as the Shuon’an Ikkyu-ji, is a temple dedicated to the famous Zen priest Ikkyu-zenji who rebuilt the temple – which was known as Myosho-ji, built by the high priest Daio-kokushu, at the time – and renamed it Shuon’an in the year 1456, 124 years after it was destroyed in the war of 1331. Ikkyu-zenji (1394-1481) lived the Continue reading «The Shuon’an Ikkyuji Temple Home of the Quick Witted Ikkyu san! »

This is a temple of the Pure Land sect known as Shohozan. It originally belonged to the Obaku School of Buddhism. The Zen master Dokusho, who inherited the teachings of the Zen master Ingen, founder of the Obaku School of Zen Buddhism in Japan, is believed to have first opened the thatched hut called Mosshoan here in 1646. Other halls Continue reading «Jikishian Temple in Kyoto!»