Inami betsuin Zuisenji

A tranquil moment to calm
the mind and express
yourself through brushwork.

Zuisenji, a historic temple located in Inami, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, is known as the birthplace of Inami woodcarving. It exudes a tranquil atmosphere, and simply strolling the ground seems to clear the mind.

First, a temple attendant explained Zuisenji’s history and guided us around the grand temple complex, including the Sanmon gate and Taishido, a magnificent large-scale temple complex which connects to the main hall. The Taishido is adorned with exquisite Inami wood carvings, including decorative rafter struts (tebasami) and intricate wood sculptures. I was deeply moved by the skill and artistry evident in every marvelous detail.

Next was the shabutsu (copying of a Buddhist image) and shakyo (sutra copying) experience. This was held in a special room called the Tora-no-ma which is normally off-limits to visitors. For the shabutsu, we copied a design based on a statue in the Taishido of a two-year-old Prince Shotoku. For the shakyo, we chose one of the 11 phrases which Shinran Shonin wrote in praise of Prince Shotoku. As I calmed my mind and I ground the ink and carefully wrote each character with a brush. Even if the result wasn’t perfect, that brief, meditative focus on shabutsu and shakyo allowed me to forget the busyness of my everyday life and take a precious moment to self-reflect.