Shorin-in is a temple of the Tendai Buddhist sect, which was founded in 1013 by Jakugen, disciple of En-nin, as a place to practice the chanting that En-nin brought during the Tang Dynasty of China to Kyoto. The temple later was a center for learning Shomyo, one of the studies of the Bhrahmans that originated in India. It was widely spread throughout Japan as a chant of admiration for Buddha and had a great impact on Japanese music and on Buddhism.
Map of the temple.
The main hall is a nicely weathered building that dates from 1770. During my visit, I sat in meditation inside it for thirty minutes thinking there were monks chanting in the back. I did not know that there was a box where upon touching a button you would hear recorded chanting. Another person in the temple had played it.
The place is famous for the Discussion at Ohara, during which Kenshin, a priest of the Tendai sect invited Honen, the founder of "Pure Land" Buddhism and had a discussion with him on the intent of prayer. According to legend, the Amitabha of the principal Buddha image proved the enlightmeent of the masses by dispersin light from his hand during the discussion. As a result, the principal image is called, the "Amitabha of proof."
View to the path leading to other temples.
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