Tenryu-ji: An In-Depth Look at the History and Overview of the Zen Temple

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Tenryu-ji Zen Temple
2. Religious Background and History of Tenryu-ji Zen Temple
3. Meditation and Zen Experience Programs
   

Introduction

Spring in Arashiyama offers a stunning combination of cherry blossoms and rich history, making it one of Kyoto's most renowned tourist destinations. At the heart of this picturesque area lies Tenryu-ji Temple, a unique place where visitors can experience the spirit of Zen and the beauty of a meticulously designed Japanese garden.

In this article, we delve into the history and cultural significance of Tenryu-ji Temple, as well as the various programs it offers for visitors to engage with Zen practices. Whether you're seeking a peaceful moment to immerse yourself in Zen teachings or hoping to enjoy the breathtaking scenery unique to the cherry blossom season, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

1. Overview of Tenryu-ji Zen Temple 

Tenryu-ji (天龍寺) is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in the Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho area of Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. Its mountain name (sango) is Reigizan (霊亀山), and the temple’s principal image of worship is the Shakyamuni Trinity.

The temple’s history dates back to 1339 (Engen 4 / Ryakuo 2), when the first shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, Ashikaga Takauji, converted the Kameyama Palace into a Zen temple to honor the memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple was originally intended to be named Ryakuo Shosei Zenji, but after Takauji’s younger brother, Ashikaga Tadayoshi, dreamed of a golden dragon dancing in the sky, the temple was renamed Tenryu Shosei Zenji. 

Tenryu-ji has played a vital role in the development of Zen culture in Japan as a Rinzai Zen temple. It was ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto (Kyoto Gozan). In 1994, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." One of its highlights is the Sogenchi Garden (曹源池庭園), a pond-centered stroll garden created by Muso Soseki, which incorporates the borrowed scenery of the surrounding Arashiyama and Kameyama mountains. This garden was the first in Japan to be designated as both a historic site and a place of exceptional scenic beauty and showcases the beauty of all four seasons.

Although Tenryu-ji has been ravaged by fires multiple times, resulting in the loss of its original structures, the Sogenchi Garden has remained in its original 14th-century design and retains immense historical value. Today, Tenryu-ji continues to serve as a site for Zen meditation and practice, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the spirit of Zen firsthand. 

2. History of Tenryu-ji Zen Temple 

Located in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, Tenryu-ji Temple serves as the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Over the centuries, it has played a significant role in the development of Japan's Zen Buddhist culture. In this section, we will explore the religious background and history of Tenryu-ji, organized by major historical milestones, to understand how it became a symbol of Japanese Zen culture.

　1. The Leadership of Muso Soseki and the Founding of Tenryu-ji (1339)

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In 1339, Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, founded Tenryu-ji Temple to honor the memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple's founding was guided by the renowned Zen monk Muso Soseki, a key figure in the development of Japanese Zen Buddhism and a master of garden design. Tenryu-ji was established not only with religious significance but also as a spiritual offering to comfort the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo and to pray for the stability of the nation.

　2. Muso Soseki’s Contribution to the “Five Mountain and Ten Temple System” (Mid-14th Century)

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Muso Soseki played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Gozan Jissetsu (Five Mountain and Ten Temple System), a hierarchical network of Rinzai Zen temples. Under this system, Tenryu-ji was ranked as the foremost of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples, cementing its position as a central institution for Zen Buddhism. The system was designed to stabilize the nation while fostering the growth of Buddhism, with Tenryu-ji serving as its symbolic cornerstone.

　3. Role as a Prayer Temple for National Stability 

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From its inception, Tenryu-ji was designated as a prayer temple for “Chingo-kokka” (state protection). The Ashikaga Shogunate recognized Zen Buddhism's teachings as a means to promote political stability, granting Tenryu-ji a crucial role as a state temple. Rituals and prayers conducted at Tenryu-ji under the Shogunate’s patronage deepened the connection between Buddhism and the governance of Japan.

　4. Tenryu-ji Ships and the Spread of Buddhist Culture through Trade (1342 Onward)

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To fund the construction of Tenryu-ji, Ashikaga Takauji commissioned trading ships known as Tenryu-ji Ships to engage in commerce with China (then under the Yuan Dynasty). These ships not only provided the financial resources needed for the temple’s construction but also facilitated the transmission of Zen Buddhist culture. The imported Buddhist artifacts and scriptures greatly enriched Japanese Zen culture, with Tenryu-ji as its epicenter.

　5. Creation of the Sogenchi Garden: A Symbol of Zen Spirit (Mid-14th Century) 

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The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, is a quintessential example of a Japanese Zen garden. It features a pond-centered layout that incorporates the surrounding Arashiyama and Kameyama mountains as borrowed scenery. The garden embodies the Buddhist cosmology and the concept of “Mu” (emptiness), reflecting the teachings of Zen in its simplicity and harmony. It continues to visually convey Zen spirituality to this day. 

　6. Spreading Zen Through Rituals and Training 

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Tenryu-ji has long been a center for the training of monks and the conduct of rituals, contributing to the dissemination of Zen Buddhism. Practices such as zazen (seated meditation) are central to the temple’s teachings, offering both monks and lay practitioners a way to experience Zen principles. Today, visitors can also participate in zazen sessions and other training programs, allowing them to connect with the timeless spirit of Zen.

3. Meditation and Zen Experience Programs 

Tenryu-ji Temple offers various programs that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of Zen and find inner peace. Below are the main experiences available at the temple.

　1. Tenryu-ji Zazen Session 

Tenryu-ji holds a Zazen meditation session on the second Sunday of every month from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This session is free of charge and does not require a reservation, making it an ideal opportunity for anyone to experience Zen meditation, even for the first time. Note that sessions are not held in February, July, or August, so it is recommended to confirm the schedule in advance.

・Flow of the Session:
The session begins with a 15-minute introduction by a monk, providing guidance to ensure that even beginners can participate comfortably. The explanation is delivered in a friendly and accessible manner, reflecting the temple’s experience as a renowned tourist destination.

After the introduction, participants engage in 45 minutes of silent meditation. During this time, they focus on their breathing and calm their minds, offering a rare opportunity to reflect and find tranquility. The session is attended by both Japanese participants and international visitors, creating an inclusive atmosphere where people from different backgrounds can share in Zen culture.

・The Appeal of the Dharma Talk:
Following the Zazen session, the head priest of the Tenryu-ji sect delivers a Dharma talk (Teisho) lasting about one hour. This talk explores Zen teachings and offers practical wisdom for daily life, providing participants with profound insights and a deeper understanding of the Zen philosophy.

　2. Sutra Copying Experience 

Visitors can also participate in a sutra copying experience (Shakyo) at Tenryu-ji with a prior reservation. This activity is a valuable opportunity to calm the mind and spend quiet time reflecting on oneself.

・What is Sutra Copying?
Sutra copying is a traditional Buddhist practice in which participants write out passages from Buddhist scriptures. The purpose of this activity is to internalize the teachings of Buddhism, dispel distractions, and achieve a sense of spiritual clarity through the act of writing. By focusing on each character, participants naturally quiet their minds and momentarily step away from the busyness of everyday life.

・Details of the Experience:
Participation Fee: ¥1,000, plus an additional temple admission fee.
Reservation: Sutra copying is a reservation-only activity. Participants are encouraged to check the official website or contact the temple directly to arrange their visit.

 Conclusion 

Tenryu-ji is not only a symbol of the natural beauty of springtime in Arashiyama but also a place where visitors can experience the profound teachings of Zen and the elegance of a Japanese garden. By exploring this historic temple and its stunning surroundings, one can feel connected to a centuries-old culture and enjoy a serene moment of introspection.

This article has provided an in-depth look at Tenryu-ji’s history, its cultural significance, and the meditation and sutra-copying experiences it offers. If you plan to visit Arashiyama during the cherry blossom season, be sure to include Tenryu-ji in your itinerary for a truly enriching experience.

The springtime cherry blossoms in Arashiyama provide one of the most captivating experiences of the year. Let Tenryu-ji be a part of your journey as you step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty and tranquility of Zen.