Zendō-ji, Buddhist temple in Tatebayashi, Japan
Zendō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tatebayashi with traditional Japanese architecture featuring meditation halls and carefully designed gardens throughout the grounds. The buildings and open spaces work together to create areas for quiet reflection and spiritual practice.
The temple was founded in 708 during the Nara period by the monk Gyōki and has served the region's spiritual life ever since. Its presence across centuries shaped local religious traditions and practices in the area.
The temple follows Soto Zen practices maintained by resident monks who conduct daily meditation and ceremonies that visitors can observe. This active spiritual practice shapes how the grounds and halls are used throughout the day.
Visitors can join meditation sessions and receive traditional temple seals with help from English-speaking staff members available on site. The grounds are most accessible during morning and afternoon hours when activities are in full operation.
The temple maintains a tradition of silent meals where monks communicate only through hand gestures and arm signals during shared dining times. This practice demonstrates how silence is woven into daily monastic discipline.
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