Tranquil Moments of Light and Shadow

In the early morning, I arrived at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, an ancient shrine dedicated to the god of learning. The shrine exuded a sense of tranquility in the morning light. I quietly walked through the red torii gate, clasped my hands together, and felt the unique serene atmosphere of the Japanese shrine. In the afternoon, I took a train to Kyoto to visit Rurikoin, a temple famous for its seasonal play of light and shadow. As I stepped into the garden, I was greeted by a scene of moss, maple trees, and stone lanterns, as if I had walked into a traditional Japanese painting. I slowly walked into the temple's study hall, where a spacious tatami-matted room awaited, and the garden view outside the window unfolded like a painting. The most breathtaking sight was the famous 'Ruriko Reflection,' where the smooth, mirror-like table surface reflected the maple leaves and moss, seemingly capturing the essence of the changing seasons in a single moment. I quietly sat down, savoring a cup of fragrant green tea, letting my thoughts drift with the tranquility of the garden. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow on the table. This temple, far from the hustle and bustle, allowed me to find a moment of peace amidst my busy travels, appreciating the beauty of time flowing slowly.