Jikko-in

With no mind, flowers lure the butterfly;
With no mind, the butterfly visits the blossoms.
Yet when flowers bloom, the butterfly comes;
When the butterfly comes, the flowers bloom.
-Ryōkan

Walking along the path to or from the Sanzen-in in Ohara and opposite the Imperial tombs, you enter this temple where you can enjoy a cup of tea and sweet while viewing the gardens. It is very special to stop here for a pleasant break and to view a variety of plum tree which blooms in winter. In the distance you see the hills across the valley.

A small tea house is located in a corner of the garden. Built as a sub-temple of Shorin-in Temple in 1013, the south side of its reception hall has a viewing garden called Keishin-en, which takes water from the nearby Ritsusen River to feed the Shinji-ike Pond. The nearer side of the pond represents everyday life, while the opposite side represents paradise, with beautifully trimmed and arranged plants and trees.

The west side features a round-the-pond garden which was created in recent years by the head priest himself. This garden features continually blooming cherry trees, which reach full bloom in November, making it possible to witness the breathtaking sight of flowering cherry trees alongside the ambers and golds of autumn colors. 

Jikko – in Temple was built as a place of residence for priest of chanting and public speaking used in ceremonies and memorial services of Japanese Buddhism. Each of the chapels are adorned with paintings of the 36 Shisen Images of Shisendo. Water from the falls of Ritsu River flows into the Keishinen Garden. The area in front of the pond is supposed to be of this world, while the other side is the paradise of the Buddha. The Fudan-Zakura cherries in the garden bloom in November, so that people can enjoy the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at the same time.

‘No mind,’ or mushin, means not to cling or to strive, and when it is joined with mujo, or acceptance of life’s impermanence, we have the greatness of the fool.