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Sōji-ji Temple
總持寺
Buddhist temple in Yokohama, Japan
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation2:02
Welcome to Sōji-ji, one of the two head temples of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism. As you stand at the threshold of this vast complex, you are entering a space where the pursuit of truth is not found in books, but in the…
Listen in the app2The Daisomon Gate: Entering the Sacred Realm1:48
Your journey begins at the Daisomon, the Great Outer Gate. This structure acts as a symbolic transition point from the mundane world of Tsurumi into the sacred space of the temple. …
Listen in the app3The Sanmon: The Gate of Three Liberations1:43
Proceeding toward the heart of the temple, you encounter the Sanmon. In Zen architecture, 'Sanmon' refers to the Three Gates of Liberation: emptiness, formlessness, and desirelessness. …
Listen in the app4The Butsuden: The Hall of the Buddha1:39
We now arrive at the Butsuden, the Main Buddha Hall. This is the spiritual center of Sōji-ji, where the primary images of worship are housed. …
Listen in the app5The Daisodo: The Great Monk’s Hall1:48
The Daisodo is perhaps the most vital building for the daily life of the community. It is here that the monks practice Zazen, eat their meals, and sleep. …
Listen in the app6Hyakkenroka: The Long Corridor of Reflection1:39
Connecting the various buildings of Sōji-ji is the Hyakkenroka, a famous 'hundred-ken' long corridor. As you walk along its polished wooden floors, you are following a path that monks have traversed for centuries, often cleaning…
Listen in the app7The Sanshokuden: A Place of Gathering1:33
The Sanshokuden is a more modern addition to the temple complex, designed to accommodate the many visitors and lay practitioners who come to Sōji-ji. It reflects the temple's commitment to sharing the benefits of Zen with the…
Listen in the app8Closing1:12
As you prepare to leave Sōji-ji through the same Daisomon gate where you began, take a final look back at the sprawling grounds. The 700-year history of this site is not just a record of the past, but a living guide for the…
Listen in the app
What is Sōji-ji Temple?
Sōji-ji Temple is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 13 min 24 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.5078, 139.6708 |
| Last updated |