Visiting the Shinto and Byodo-In Temples teach you more about the Japanese concept of aesthetics than any book or film could ever do. The Shinto Temple, an active place of worship, amazed me. Simple in design, it felt more welcoming than any Christian church I have been to. But simple does not imply the architectural design was lacking in creativity. My first impression was that it was rather imposing. Upon closer examination when entering it I realized it was quite small. Offerings to ancestors were present and varied greatly: cases of beer, bottles of Sake, rice, and whatever else people felt conveyed the honoring of generations past. I then understood that this temple represented a more individual spiritualism, rather than the congregational style emphasised by Christianity. The building was more of a meeting point rather than worship. A place to gather your thoughts and remind yourself of who you are and where you have been. I was happy the priest allowed us to ring the bell and be blessed. This showed me that Shinto was more a way of life and thought, rather than a doctrine to be strictly adhered to and unwelcoming to outsiders.
The Byodo-In at the Valley of the Temples embodied more of the aestheics the Japanese are known for. A feeling of peace surrounds you as you walk the grounds. With a large pond in front, stands of bamboo, a rock garden and the beauty of the Temple itself you cannot help but toss off the worries of everyday life. Absent is the symmetry involved in the construction of Christian churches. The temple and the grounds themselves seem to have more of a natural flow. The highlight is the large statue of Buddha inside. There are no priests present, so you are left to wander the grounds and find that particular area that suits you. Some of us lingered at the pond, some stood in awe of the golden statue. Once again, the impression is of spiritualism that lies within, rather than being instructed to you.
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