Sunday, March 8, 2009

Walkways of Daitokuji、大徳寺の道


These feet have touched
The polished woods of history
On paths at Daitokuji

この足は
大徳寺の道で
易しい板を触れた

I enjoy this photograph from Daitokuji. I'm not positive which temple this is, but it is likely Obai-in temple. The photograph really isn't anything particularly spectacular, but it brings back good memories. This was the first time I had really experience walking on the boards of an ancient building. Obai-in temple was building in the mid to late 1500's. It was originally built as a tea-house and then re-commissioned as a Zen Temple.

I'm not sure how old the wood planks are but as you walk on them you can literally feel the history. The wood has a very soft feel to it that is relaxing as you walk on it. Completely unlike hardwood flooring in a house. I think it is a feel that comes from the continuous polishing of feet.

Daitokuji had splendid wood pathways between the buildings. The architecture was stunning and the authentic historic feel is captivating.



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Your comments are welcome, be polite:
No throwing pebbles in my pool of zen.
Posted by Pool O'Zen at 3:14 PM
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2 comments:

  1. I don't know if the wood planks of the walkway are original, they might be. But I would guess that they are very old nonetheless. I too would feel the history walking on them as well. Maybe someday I will.
    ReplyDelete
  2. They would be some pretty impressive boards to be that old huh! Though, I doubt there are many boards that are better cared for!

    Japanese floorboards are usually hand planed which contributes to their soft smooth feel. In old homes the floors would be cleaned nightly with a wet cloth, contributing to the deep black polish that comes over time. Or at least, so I've heard!

    -Needless to say, it's more work than I'll put into my deck!

    真秀へ
    ReplyDelete

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