GENKO-AN


Genko-an temple is situated in the north-western part of Kyoto and was built in 1346 as a retirement residence for the chief priest of Daitoku-ji. In 1694 it became the temple of the Soto sect and since then the Main Hall with the two famous windows has not changed. The rectangular window also known as “The Window of Confusion” represents delusion, ignorance, suffering and finally death. The second, round window is called “The Window of Enlightenment” represents the Buddhist concept of the Universe, immortality and life without suffering.