The Interweaving of Zen and Time: A Visit to Amanosan Kongoji Temple

Day 1: The Zen Time of an Ancient Temple In the early morning, I drove to Amanosan Kongoji Temple located in Kawachinagano, Osaka. This ancient temple is hidden in the mountains, and the early winter mist adds a touch of mystery to it. As I stepped into the temple, I was greeted by a sense of tranquility. The moss-covered stone steps seemed to tell stories of a thousand years. The temple's architecture is ancient and elegant, especially the National Treasure Main Hall, whose solemn aura is breathtaking. In the afternoon, I sat quietly in the courtyard, admiring the simplicity of the dry landscape garden and feeling the profoundness of Zen. Time seemed to stand still here, with only the gentle breeze reminding me of its passage. Day 2: A Dialogue Between Nature and Culture On the second day, I extended my journey to the nearby Amanogawa River to enjoy the tranquility of nature. Walking along the river, the clear water and the maple trees on both banks gradually turning red created a picturesque scene. In the afternoon, I visited the Kawachinagano Rural Culture Museum to learn about the local history and folk culture, experiencing a lifestyle completely different from that of the ancient temple. At dusk, I returned to Amanosan Kongoji Temple, where the afterglow of the sunset cast a Zen-like aura over the Main Hall, bringing this journey to a serene and fulfilling end.