A Symphony of Colors — The Nison-in Temple of Arashiyama

The tranquility in Arashiyama was contagious, despite the throngs of tourists everywhere at the red foliage season. At Nison-in Temple, I felt an indescribable sensation when I heard the ringing of its temple belfry. It was more than calmness — the auditory stimulation touched off a spiritual yearning for joy, gratefulness and fulfillment. And then the bell rang again, and then again, and then again. I realized that people were lining up at the belfry to do a prayerful ritual. Indeed, it was the sound from the Bell of Happiness, the sonoric reminder of life’s blessings. The name Nison-in refers to the two revered images that are the resident deities in the Nison-in Temple, with Amida Nyorai on the left and Shaka Nyorai on the right. According to the temple leaflet, Shaka Nyorai “is the one is the one who sends those seeking rebirth in paradise from this side of the world… Amida Nyorai receives them on the other side. The pair represents the beginning and the end of one’s life.” The temple came from the early Heian period, circa 834 A.D., by the order of Emperor Saga. At Nison-in Temple, I found an unlikely gem. Beyond the proper grounds for temple structures, I came upon a cemetery. That was where I felt the most at ease that morning, with a sober respect for the spirited, yet also joyful in celebrating the tranquility that lied before my eyes. A few notable people are buried here at the cemetery of Nison-in. Three emperors were entombed here, Emperor Tsuchimikado, Emperor Go-Saga and Emperor Kameyama. The Mausoleum of Priest Tanku is also inside the temple. I did not see one soul that ventured into this part of the temple. The seclusion was golden. #japan #kyoto #arashiyama #nisonintemple #历史古迹 #buddhism #heianperiod #二尊寺 #royaltomb #redfoliage #historicallandmarks