Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.
—Herman Hesse
This tree is part of the Japanese strolling garden in the golden temple complex at Kinkaku-ji—which happens to be one of the best-known temples in Japan. This temple is a must if you happen to be visiting Kyoto for the first time.
The richly decorated golden temple floats over the mirror pond creating a sight that looks straight out of a picture book. The views spell sheer magic as one takes the path to walk towards the zen garden and enjoy the stunning range of trees that give it a deeply surreal feel to the entire area. The other side of the zen garden is this view, that leaves one with a serene and peaceful feeling, enough to fill one’s heart and soul for the next few hours!
And if there’s some Matcha tea and sweet Japanese Wagashi to go along with it, well, nothing like it!
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Joining Parul today for #thursdaytreelove which is a photo feature on her blog that brings you beautiful trees from different places every second and fourth Thursday of the month.
If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her post.
A beautiful tree and quote affirming we are not alone in our love for these sanctuaries, the trees.
Thank you so much, Joanna.
You are very welcome!
This must have been surreal, Esha. Show us how the temple looks like. Kyoto must be sure so beautiful. VT tells me Japan is a place to visit and when you post pictures from there, I think I must travel to the far east 🙂
So happy you joined Thursday Tree Love. Will I see you tomorrow?
Great quote to match these wonderful trees!
Only if we humans could understand the importance of trees! That’s a great quote, Esha
Trees are a living entity for sure. In the past, Indian cultures had also considered trees and animals to be living and conversing beings. In Jataka Tales, in Panchatantra, trees talk, give shter to people in its shell. So I very much agree with your post.
Wow that’s a lovely tree, on a magical mini island
It really looks just out of book pic, you have captured it beautifully.