Nara Old Temple (2) 故都奈良的寺院

This is Kohuku-ji Temple.  Before entering inside, many tourists including those from Asian countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea held the long red rope and softly hit the flat circular bell hung on upper center of the front wall . I did it, too. Some statues inside were made in 8th century, having been preserved in good condition. 古代大寺院兴福寺，位于现代城市内。

 This wooden tower is very big and tall. The combination of timbers is amazing. 140 years ago, a series of extreme religion policies by the new central government terribly damaged this temple. All of priests left here then. A lot of precious and historic buildings, statues and books were lost.

《维摩经》

于诸众生若起爱见大悲，即应舍离。所以着何。菩萨断除客尘烦恼而起大悲。爱见悲者，则于生死有疲厌心。

如佛所说，若自有缚，能解彼缚，无有是处。若自无缚，能解彼缚，斯有是处。

 

This temple is Akishino-dera. Statues inside are also in 8th century. The design of the lattice doors is very wonderful. White paper is pasted on the back of the door and I was able to see all statues inside with the morning sunshine coming through it.

秋筱寺，环境非常安静。你要在此多少，就能留多少。

 This is a stone lantern.

 Rafters in 13th century have been playing a role of supporting the large roof.

I found this eclair-shaped stone in a garden. I asked a young watchman what it is. He said this was Kaminari-ishi, a thunder stone. Long ago, the excellent chief priest successfully shut the attack of thunder into the ground and put a stone on it. Oh, the stone may still keeps its electricity. I was very lucky not to have sit on this without thinking anything. 这叫雷霆石。

Many buildings have been lost through wars and fires and some sites are now silently covered with thick moss. It seems that moss can remain beautiful throughout the year in Kyoto Nara and other regions of the  western Japan fully favoured with warmer and moister weathers. 
青苔寂寂，令人感到枯荣。