Osaka - パート2 Pāto 2 (that's Part 2)

After Osaka Castle, which is a hard act to follow, I decided to go totally off the beaten path and visit what is considered the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered Temple in Japan. It was founded in 593! Incredible!!

I've seen some pretty incredible places since I've been here but this might have been one of my favorite things I've done so far. It took forever to get here since I had to walk about a mile to the train, took it a few stops and then walked another mile to the temple.  There are several gates but I entered through the most unassuming gate.

Meeting me at the gate were many Buddhas but also hundreds of Jizo statues that are there to protect children who have died before their parents. Mourning parents clothe the statues and bring them offerings in hopes that this helps their child in the afterlife.

There are outer temple grounds and inner temple grounds and this first part was outside. Although most of the original buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries, the oldest one that still stands is from 1294.

Inside the oldest building above was a golden statue that I wasn't allowed to take a picture of. I found a photo online but I wish I could describe the feeling I had when I was standing in this building. I was overcome with emotion and stood there for a really long time. I was the only person in the room, other than the person making sure we didn't take photos, and other than the sound of the gong outside, it was blissfully silent.

I made my way to the inner grounds to visit the pagoda. Every building was so stately and there were so few people there, which I loved. It was the first time I'd been able to visit a temple without crowds of people.

Prince Shotoku was known for his profound Buddhist faith before Buddhism was widespread in Japan. He built the temple to honor the four heavenly kings and to help the Japanese attain a higher level of civilization.

These are the stairs going up the pagoda. Shoes are not allowed and you have to remain completely silent as you make your way to the top and back.

One of the gates offers protection with the wooden guardians called Nio or Benevolent Kings. This is what it looks like at night.

This was the final gate I exited from as I made my way back to the "real" world.

For some reason this place had quite the impact. I was in complete silence for hours and felt a profound feeling of connection and gratitude. I am truly lucky to be here.