Shōrin-ji, Buddhist temple in Sakurai, Japan.
Shōrin-ji is a Buddhist temple perched on a hillside overlooking the Nara Basin, containing multiple halls including the Kannon Hall and Daishi Hall. The structures are set within mountain surroundings that define the site's serene character.
The temple was founded in 712 by Jōe, son of the influential Fujiwara no Kamatari, and experienced several reconstructions following fires during the late Heian and Edo periods. These cycles of destruction and rebuilding shaped its architectural history.
The temple houses a National Treasure: a wooden Eleven-faced Kannon statue from the late Nara period, created using dry-lacquer technique. This figure represents an important testament to the religious craftsmanship of that era and reflects the deep veneration of this bodhisattva in Japanese Buddhism.
The temple can be reached by community bus from Sakurai Station, with the Shōrin-ji Mae stop providing direct access to the site. Local guides and information are available to help visitors navigate and understand the grounds.
On the 18th of each month, visitors can join sutra copying sessions where green tea is served during the practice. This activity merges meditative calligraphy with a community gathering experience.
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