Ryogen-in is a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in Kita-ku, Kyoto. It's one of the sub-temples (tatchu) of Daitoku-ji, and the oldest among them. Founded in 1502 (Bunki 2), it was established by Tokei Somboku, with the support of powerful figures like Yoshimoto Hatakeyama (Governor of Noto), Yoshinaga Otomo (Governor of Bungo), and Yoshioki Ouchi (Governor of Suo). The temple's name, Ryogen-in, combines the "ryu" (dragon) from Daitoku-ji's mountain name, Ryuhosan, and the "gen" (source) from the lineage of So-gen Su-gaku, founder of the Songyuan school of Rinzai Zen, a lineage uniquely preserved at Ryogen-in. Ryogen-in is a sanctuary of serene beauty where history and nature harmoniously coexist.
Ryogen-in boasts several stunning gardens. The Ryogin-teien, a dry landscape garden (karesansui) created during the Muromachi period, evokes a majestic scene with its central stone arrangement representing Mount Sumeru and lush green moss symbolizing the ocean. The Ichi-shi Tan, the south garden of the Hojo (abbot's quarters), is a contemporary karesansui garden created in 1980 by the then-abbot. Its striking feature is a large, round moss island with a single stone, resembling a turtle. The To-teki Tsubo, a tiny pot garden situated between the Hojo and Kuri (kitchen), is considered Japan's smallest garden. This masterpiece of modern pot garden design features five stones arranged in groups of three and two on a white gravel bed.
Ryogen-in also preserves numerous valuable cultural assets. The Hojo features fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) by disciples of Shūbun, a pupil of Jossetsu. The dragon painting on the shichū fusuma (sliding doors in the inner rooms) is of unknown authorship and date, but believed to date from the Momoyama or Edo period. The Kaiso-do (founder's hall) houses the stupa of the founder, Tokei Zenji, representing a masterful blend of architectural styles from the Nanboku-cho, Kamakura, and early Muromachi periods, built in the Showa era.
Ryogen-in offers a tranquil and beautiful space where history and nature harmonize. It is highly recommended for those seeking serenity, a deeper understanding of Japanese history, and cultural immersion.
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