To the right, as one enters through the main gate, there can be seen a stone garden. Within this garden area the yukimi, or snow-viewing lantern is placed. It was hand made by Nishiura's father as a gift to Major Tilden following the completion of the mon in 1940. The stones may have been laid out at that time, or possibly even earlier. This garden contains its own small master stone which is in direct alignment with the main one to be found to the right of the waterfall. The two stones seem to reflect back at one another, and since the master stone is known to have allusions to the sun goddess, we can presume the other smaller stone to represent the moon. The powerful mass of the pond garden on the left is balanced with the subtle small stone garden on the right, a yin and yang effect. These gardens together create the empty space of the reception area, just inside the mon.
The Lanterns and Statues of Hakone
Major Lanterns
- Kasuga
- Shrine
- Momoyama
- Farm House
- Snow Viewing
- Kanju-ji
- Misaki
Major Lanterns
Kasuga Lantern
The Kasuga lantern is a classic example of a Japanese tachi-gata, or pedestal style lantern. This style of lantern dates back to the Ashikaga period. It was traditionally used as a "guardian" lantern at Japanese Buddhist temples and is frequently seen at entrances to Japanese tea gardens. It is commonly used as a focal point and the stone carvings on the light box often relate to its origin.
Snow Viewing
The Yukimi or "Snow Viewing Lantern" is a style created especially for Japanese Gardens. Developed in the Ashikaga Period (16th century), all Yukimi lanterns have the same general form. They comprise a large roof, a light compartment and a base with three or four legs of various forms.
The large roof can have spans of two to three meters across. They can be rustic, made simply of suitably shaped stones, or as this one, carved with an ornate lattice work light compartment, elegantly formed roof and supporting legs. A deep layer of snow can settle on the large overhanging roof adding to the charm of these lanterns.
Kanju-ji
The original design comes from Kanju-ji Temple in Kyoto dating
from the Edo Period (1615-1868). The proportions of rectangular
forms, openings, flattened light compartment and large gently
curved roof present an austere, elegant form embodying quiet
simplicity.
Misaki
On a promontory rock in the small lake sits a lantern with no
shaft. Its simple form is another design made particularly for
garden use. The simplicity of form and workmanship is an
important aspect of aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Used in this
location, the lantern acts as a beacon shining its light across
the lake.
Carved Stone Images
Jizo Bodhisattva (Sanskrit Ksite Garbha)
Guardian of deceased children, expectant mothers, firemen, travelers, and pilgrims. One of the most beloved of all Japanese divinities, Jizo works to ease the suffering. He is the guardian of unborn, aborted, miscarried, and stillborn babies in particular, as well as expectant mothers, firemen, travelers, and pilgrims. Jizo statues can be found everywhere in Japan, most especially in graveyards.
Although of India origin, he is revered more widely in Japan,
Korea, and China than in either India or Tibet, and appears to
have entered Japan around the sixth or seventh century AD along
with Buddhism's introduction to Japan. Kshitigarbha (Jizo) was
worshipped in China as early as the fifth century A.D., but is
mentioned much earlier in the Mahavaipulya Sutras of India (in
which he appears to the historical Buddha at the time of the
Buddha's death). Like the Goddess of Mercy, Jizo is a bodhisattva
(one who achieves enlightenment but postpones Buddhahood, or the
rest of Nirvana, until all can be saved).
Fudo the Fire God
Fudo myo-o was named Acala-vidyaraja in India, and was the God of
fire. Fudo's name means "immovable" because he is immovable in
his faith and overcomes all worry and hesitation. As a sign of
his immovableness, he is often depicted seated or standing on a
rock. Always angry and threatening, Fudo Myo-o seeks to frighten
people into accepting the teachings of the Dai-Nichi Nyorai. The
sword which he is usually depicted as holding, represents
wisdom, cutting through ignorance. Fudo is actually a benevolent
deity because he converts anger into salvation.
You can recognize Fudo Myo-o by the sword that he carries in his right hand and the rope (which he uses to tie up demons) in his left. Be sure to look carefully at Fudo Myo-o's face because it is extremely interesting. One eye is looking up (to Heaven) and the other is looking down (to Earth), one side of his mouth is turned up in a smile and the other turned down in a frown. He often has a third eye in his forehead and is positioned in the centre of the five Myo-o.
