Ryūen-ji, Sōtō Zen temple in Kumagaya, Japan
Ryūen-ji is a Sōtō Zen temple in Kumagaya featuring grounds with Japanese garden design, stone pathways, and meditation halls. The layout guides visitors through quiet spaces designed for prayer and quiet thought.
The temple was founded as a center for Zen Buddhist practice and established itself within the religious life of Saitama Prefecture. It retained its role in the region's tradition of meditation and spiritual teaching.
The temple draws people interested in Zen Buddhist practice, and the papercut Goshuin stamps reflect a local connection between traditional craft and spiritual devotion.
Visitors can obtain Goshuin temple stamps during regular opening hours, including special papercut designs with intricate patterns. It is best to arrange a visit in advance, especially if you wish to join guided meditation sessions.
This temple pioneered the use of handcut papercut Goshuin seals, creating a local craft that inspired other temples to follow. The technique merges manual skill with spiritual artistry in an unusual way.
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