1-day Temple Retreat & Tour: Ishiyamadera

Just a short trip outside Kyoto, visit the gorgeous and expansive 1300-year old temple famous for its large, ethereal rock formations. The main building of the temple features architectural styles similar to the famous Kiyomizudera. Numerous gardens, ponds, and trails on the temple grounds make for a stunning visual journey. This temple is a part of one of Japan’s oldest and most famous pilgrimage routes, all featuring statues of Kannon, the Buddhist embodiment of perfect compassion. Ishiyamadera was also reportedly a setting that inspired the writing of “Tales of Genji,” known as the world’s first novel, and an important moment in women’s history; it’s author is honored in a couple places on the temple grounds.

Besides learning some background that this temple played in Japan’s religious, historical, and cultural development, guests will learn about the many symbols that dot the land and have a chance to practice various forms of moving, standing, and sitting meditations in the gazeebo, near some of the sacred rock formations, and around the various garden spaces. We will learn both some of the basic breathing and relaxation practices along with some compassion and seed-syllable vibration visualizations sacred to this temple’s background.

Join us for this refreshing, revitalizing, and beautiful day in one of Japan’s hidden gems!

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Meeting place: Kyoto Station.