Rinsen-ji, Buddhist temple in Bunkyo, Japan
Rinsen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Bunkyo with multiple stone sculptures on its grounds, including the notable Shibari Jizo statues that are bound with ropes according to local traditions. The temple has various buildings and spaces dedicated to meditation practice and ceremonies.
The temple was founded in 1602 by Ito Hanbee Nagamitsu and was originally called Fuzoin before receiving its current name in 1663 during the Edo period. This name change marked a significant shift in the site's history.
The temple serves as a meeting place for various practices like zen meditation, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies that visitors can experience today. People come here to take part in these traditional activities and engage with local customs in a living setting.
Visitors should know the temple is easily accessible by public transport and the grounds can be explored on foot without difficulty. It is helpful to check in advance which activities take place on specific days to ensure you see what interests you.
The Shibari Jizo statues show an unusual practice where ropes were tied around the figures to address community concerns from a local perspective. This symbolic action reflects a unique connection between spiritual objects and everyday worries.
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