A Buddhist monk was tolling the Great Bell of Soji-ji Temple

Monk tolling the temple bell at Soji-ji Temple — Great Bell at Soji-ji Temple

When I visited Myoken-ji Temple in Kyoto, I was surprised to learn that the Nichiren sect of Buddhism has one head temple and seven other main temples. The Soji-ji Temple in Yokohama is the head temple of the Soto sect, along with Eihei-ji Temple in Fukui Prefecture. Sōtō Zen, you too?

As I walked along the approach to the temple, which gently ascended from the side of the JR tracks, I arrived at the large San-mon gate. It is said to be the largest concrete gate in Japan. On the other side of the large gate, there is the Mukai-Kara-mon gate. And the Chujaku-mon gate should lead to the main hall of this temple and the Daiso-do hall, but unfortunately, the Mukai-kara-mon gate was undergoing restoration work, so I couldn't see it, the Chujaku-mon gate was closed, so I couldn't reach the main hall. It was a pity, because I thought I would be able to see the splendid temple complex of the main temple.

As I was pondering what to do, I heard the sound of bells coming from nowhere. I went towards the sound and found the Great Bell. This is a Zen temple. Ringing the bell must be part of the ascetic practice. A monk was solemnly ringing the bell while manipulating the cajolery.

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