These are pictures from the temple Kiyomizo-dera, near Kyoto. Its origins date from 778 A.D. Inside are many images of the deity Kannon, with her 42 arms (some say a thousand). Approaching the temple, one first sees a three-story pagoda, some 31 meters high. The largest feature of the site is a wooden stage where people can view the countryside and the changing leaves of trees all around. The stage is supported by 168 pillars and is constructed of 410 cypress boards. Amazingly, there are no nails in the structure. It's entirely held together by interlocking joists.Two other interesting features are the Otowa waterfall (which we would call a series of falling streams.) A long-handled ladle is provided for those who wish to drink the water, which is said to extend life and fulfill one's wishes,. A spookier feature is a tunnel that descends some stairs to enter. It's pitch dark inside, because it represents the womb of a female bodhisattva, and you emerge on the other side, reborn. (See our book THE RED-HEADED DEMON for Seikei's adventure with a boy mistaken for a bodhisattva.)
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