Dairen-ji (大蓮寺) at Sakyo-ward is a long established temple of Jodo sect of Buddhism (浄土宗), which is known for the divine favor of easy delivery. The kanji characters of Dairen-ji mean a temple of big lotus flower, and as it suggests, a countless number of beautiful lotus flowers are blooming in this season.
As lotus flowers emerge from the mud to bloom, the flower is regarded to represent the teaching of Buddhism. The view of the flowers come into blossom with the sun comes up from the east is nothing but heavenly. It's just like a re-projection of Gokurakujodo (極楽浄土, the heaven, the land of happiness after death).
It's worth to visit the temple in this season to see the Gokurakujodo before your very eyes.
Akane Kibune
Kyoto Expert Certification 1st Grade
Access:
3 mins. on foot from Higashiyama-Niohmon, Kyoto city bus
URL:
http://www.anzan-no-tera.jp/
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