Chionin Temple

Chionin Temple is a major Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is near Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park and the Gion district. Chion-in, as it is called in Japanese, is the head temple of one of the Pure Land Buddhist sects in Japan, the Jodo tradition which counts millions of followers. According to the teaching of the tradition, because it is difficult to achieve enlightenment in this body and lifetime, followers of Amida Buddha instead aspire to join the Buddha in the Pure Land after their death in order to escape suffering and rebirth. Accordingly, great emphasis is put on the role of compassion in the spiritual life, in line with the Mahayana tradition. Chionin Temple offers some gorgeous architecture, Buddha statues, and a Japanese garden that is worth a visit in its own right.