Monday, September 22, 2014

Komozenji Zen Temple



Just a short distance from the Shinto shrine in Dazaifu, a smaller gate greeted us - this one belonging to the Komyozenji Buddhist Zen temple. Founded in 1273 by a Buddhist priest, even the gate of the temple seemed to evoke a quieter, more natural presence. Unlike the typical Buddhist temples in Korea, the grounds and buildings were all in neutral colors, the wood retaining its natural, unfinished look. Likewise, the interior was rather simple. Large mats covered the main floor. Natural lighting from a few windows gave a slight illumination to the small altars with their partially closed screens. No dragons carved from the ceiling beams or colorful lotus patterns on the ceiling. 

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