Amazing Power of Trees

They are the columns made of Japanese cypress in Horyu-ji Temple which was rebuilt around the beginning of the 8th century and designated as a world heritage site in 1993. The main hall, the five story pagoda and the middle gate in the temple compound  are considered to be the oldest wooden structures in the world.

 the middle gate of Horyu-ji Temple

Take a close look at the column.  This column along with other ones has supported the structures for 1300 years.  It tells us the immense vital power of Japanese cypress as well as the history of the repairs made during 1300 years.

The ancient builders had already known well  the strength of the Japanese cypress - the fittest and strongest natural materials for construction in Japan. It is said that one thousand- year-old cypress will live another one thousand years and two thousand-year-old one will live another two thousand years in the different way after being cut down.  If you touch any of them,  you will feel sensational energy through your hands.

This is one of a pair of Nio Guardians in the middle gate. It looks different as being viewed from the back.

 I'm wondering how long this magnificent building constructed of steel and concrete will continue to exist.

Kyoto Station photoed in December, 2010

In Nara Park, tiny propellers of maple trees are ready to fly.

In the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine, there are many old and magnificent camphor trees. It is said that the trees have been considered as divine because of their mysterious smell. People scarcely visit here where this amazing camphor tree stands with dignity.

Though the trunk is completely hollow and  has even  three big holes, amazingly enough  the tree is  growing and thriving.  The inside of the trunk is charred partially. I guess probably these damages were brought by a lightning. The tree looks like a circularly-curved wall.

Looking up to the sky through the hollow.

At dusk, this camphor tree is spotlighted by a setting sun and gently watching the deer browsing as if it were a guardian of them.

Another amazing  camphor tree is  also in the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine.  Tree young camphor trees were planted in 1908 and over the years they started to stick together. Now they look like one huge camphor tree.

  

The buds of camphor flowers are going to burst very soon.

My favorite is this Japanese cedar tree in Todai-ji Temple . It seems to show  almost all of its roots on the ground.  The photo is only part of the roots.

 I just look at the immense energy of nature in awe.

               
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