嶽林寺, Buddhist temple in Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Gakurinji is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple situated on a hillside in Gunma Prefecture surrounded by natural woodland. The grounds contain meditation halls, ceremonial spaces, and outdoor areas where monks and visitors engage in traditional Buddhist practices.
Founded in 1505 by Zen Master Zaiten, the temple became a major Soto Zen center with support from local lords in subsequent generations. Over the centuries it grew into one of the significant Buddhist institutions in the region.
This temple serves as a spiritual center where visitors witness daily Zen practices and ceremonial routines that shape the rhythm of monastic life. People come to participate in meditation sessions and observe how the community maintains its Buddhist traditions through regular gatherings.
The temple is best accessed on foot along pathways leading up the hillside, a walk that is manageable for most visitors. It is advisable to arrive early in the day when the monks are conducting their regular activities and the grounds are quieter.
The temple appears on Japan's list of 100 Famous Moons after a serow was spotted on the grounds during a moonlit night. This unexpected wildlife encounter linked the sanctuary to the natural wilderness of the surrounding area.
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