Kencho-ji temple in Kamakura Japan

Kenchō- is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan and holds the highest rank in the Kamakura Five-Mountain system (五山). It was built in the Kamakura period (1192-1337), the construction was finished in 1273.

The layout of the temple follows the Chinese Ch'an (Zen) tradition, all the buildings are arranged on an axis. The garden can be found the end of the temple complex, behind the Hōjō, the quarters of the head priest. Musō Soseki, a famous Zen priest, poet and garden designer, to have built the garden. The garden is a typical Zen garden, which uses few plants and materials. The pond in the garden reminds of the shape of the character 心, which stands for mind, heart and is an important element in Zen Buddhism.

Contents:

Introduction

Historical background - Kamakura period

History of the temple

The temple and gardens

Flowers and plants in the garden

Questions for Hayano-San

Jenny's impressions

Eating and Drinking

How to get there

14 pages

55 illustrations

21 MB