Friday, August 19, 2005

Hyakumanben Chionji

The Hyakumanben Chionji Temple is just across the street from the Kyoto University's main campus back gate
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This spacious and relaxed temple has no scenic gardens but there is no admission charges either.
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The main hall is large and stately (not as big as the ones in Higashi Honganji Temple though). A pleasant place for some quiet interlude and reflection.
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Two strings of huge beads. These prayer beads or mala beads as they are called represent a meditative tool. Mala beads carry a deep significance in the buddhism culture. Typically there are 108 beads divided by three large beads. The 109th bead on a mala is called the sumeru or guru bead. Counting beads while recitation of mantras should always begin with a bead next to the sumeru.
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One can tell the difference between a shrine and a temple. Shrines have the torii gates as you enter the sacred ground, whereas temples usually just have a regular gate or entrance. I found this torii gate particularly beautiful and is located inside the Chionji temple ground.
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The Buddha statue with blue sky and clouds - allows one to become serene and tranquil. I see this every morning.
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The Chionji temple hosts a small flea market on the 15th of every month; 8:00 - 16:00 (handicrafts, ethnic clothing, food and pottery). One can put up a stall for just 3000 yen.
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After almost eight months of protest, the flimsy looking Hyakumanben Ishigaki Stone Wall Cafe is finally being torn down. The students demonstration has succeeded.
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Students proposed alternative solutions and finally the university has agreed on the new plan and to maintain the Ishigaki stone wall.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to know you had a good night's sleep. We learn from mistakes, no? So, the next round of experiment will be better.

In addition to the pop ups, you also have ads by google on your site.
AL

Acrix said...

Something seems to be missing in the photo after the 'demolition' of the cafe~ How come the torii gate is slightly slanted? Any reason or purpose?

Eddie said...

yeah, The Bloggerholic is BACK

Eddie said...

lagi-lagi jinja ..mmm
buat lar mix-ofuro ke, yakuza ke
tattoo ke...haa baru ada kick

Patrick Leong said...

ailing : the road is long and the ending seems reachless. no doubt there is a lot of stress. but i just try to concentrate day by day and not to think about it so much. really need a break but seems can't afford one at the moment. you have a good trip and take lots of nice pictures. will you post them meanwhile you are on your vacation ? and about the pop ups (and comment spam), sometimes it appear and sometimes not. dastard behaviour of some uninvited !

acrix : the cafe was once seen as the ugliest site in the university. and you are right, now there seems something missing and empty. but in no time, students will post colorful standing billboards and signs to promote events. as for why the torii gate a little slanted, i have no idea.

eddie : yes. the topics that you have suggested are good. any progress on kyushu trip ? i have checked seishun 18 kippu. as for summer, now tickets are on sale until 31st august and valid till 10th september. but i don't think i can make it before 10th, so how ?

elisa : thanks for the site. work on the weekends. and it is monday again. you have a good week.

zbjernak said...

really nice the temple...
just behind the uni...great
whenever u r tensed... tired, feel low.....the temple i guess is a best place to seek refuge...

when i was in uni...mine was on an island... left side is airport....right side is beach and sea

so watching sunset...and aeroplane take off and landing...really calm me down

Patrick Leong said...

zbjernak : actually hyakumanben chionji is a pretty small temple. more impressive ones are like higashi honganji, todaiji, kiyomizudera etc. i have never thought of visiting the temple when i feel stress myself. good idea. i think i should. you mentioned about the places near your university, you studied in USM ? i also graduated from USM. well, year 1998. i am quite famous in the buddhist society (ahem). which year did you graduate ?

zbjernak said...

nope...
i m not from USM...
i grad from a uni on an island far bigger than penang...
with white sand softer than penang...
with waves bigger than penang...
with water clearer than penang...


LANGKAWI....yes LANGKAWI....
the paradise island of malaysia...
was a great place...so secluded no entertainment...and airport is my shopping ground....arghhh if only i discovered blog tht time...coz was too free

Patrick Leong said...

zbjernak : eh ... i didn't know there is a university in langkawi wor ... private ?