[Shiga] The Aesthetics of the Lake Country: A Day Tour Immersing Yourself in the World of Prayer and Literature at Mii-dera and Ishiyama-dera Temples

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The tour we're introducing today is

The Aesthetics of the Lake Country: The World of Prayer and Literature as Seen in Mii-dera and Ishiyama-dera Temples

This tour offers a multifaceted understanding of the relationship between "prayer" and "aesthetics" in Japanese culture through experiential learning. Mii-dera Temple, an important center of the Tendai sect, is a temple where many monks have undergone rigorous training and embodies the practical aspects of Japanese Buddhism. Through experiences such as sutra copying and Zen meditation in the temple buildings and tranquil spaces scattered throughout its vast grounds, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese spiritual culture not only intellectually but also through physical sensation. Ishiyama-dera Temple, on the other hand, stands in a scenic location overlooking Lake Biwa and is said to be the place where Murasaki Shikibu (a female writer of the Heian period and author of "The Tale of Genji," which is considered one of the world's oldest full-length novels) conceived her ideas. The temple grounds feature a unique topography with natural wollastonite (Ishiyama) as a backdrop, and Ama been depicted in many literary works since ancient times. By viewing these sites with this historical and literary background and landscape in mind, you can gain insight into how "prayer" has been intertwined with "aesthetics" and expressed as a cultural phenomenon in Japan.

This tour allows you to experience both the "training to cultivate inner peace" at Mii-dera Temple and the "aesthetic sense embodied in landscape and literature" at Ishiyama-dera Temple, thereby learning about the depth and breadth of Japanese culture.

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Sonojoji Temple (Mii-dera Temple)

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Visiting Mii-dera Temple (Highlights)

Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji Temple) is a historic temple known as an important center of the Tendai sect, with numerous halls scattered throughout its vast grounds. The main hall, Kondo, enshrines the principal image, Miroku Bosatsu, and has been a place of prayer for people since ancient times. From the Kannon-do Hall, which is one of the 33 temples of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one can enjoy a view of Lake Biwa, creating a space where faith and beautiful scenery are intertwined. Furthermore, there are many sights that evoke a sense of history and stories, such as the bell associated with the legend of Benkei and the Mii Evening Bell, which is counted as one of Japan's three most famous bells. By walking through the grounds and immersing oneself in the tranquility, one can experience the culture of prayer.

Zen meditation experience

The Zen meditation experience at Mii-dera Temple takes place in the Kannon-do Guest Hall (or Tang-style Hall), providing a focused environment within a historical building. Participants will sit in the unique "hankafuza" (half-lotus position), and the hand gestures, such as slightly opening the thumbs, differ from those of other Zen temples. Monks will provide guidance during the meditation, ensuring you can practice Zen correctly. *Zen meditation is for ages 15 and up.

Ishiyama-dera Temple

Ishiyama-dera Temple is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa and is a temple that combines natural scenery, religious significance, and literary background. Its most distinctive feature is that the main hall is built on a massive wollastonite rock formation, showcasing a unique structure that incorporates the natural terrain. The landscape, where the exposed rock and the temple buildings are integrated, is unparalleled and is the origin of the temple's name. Furthermore, it is said that Murasaki Shikibu (a female writer of the Heian period and known as the author of "The Tale of Genji," which is considered one of the world's oldest full-length novels) drew inspiration from this place, making it a temple that holds an important position in the history of Japanese literature. Historical buildings, including a multi-storied pagoda, are scattered throughout the temple grounds, and an open landscape overlooking Lake Biwa unfolds. It has long been known as a famous spot for moon viewing and has been featured as a subject in waka poetry and literary works. Along with the natural environment that changes with the seasons, it is a temple characterized by the interplay of scenery, faith, and literature.

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