A Kyoto Perspective – Ryoanji Temple, The Temple of the Dragon at Peace (Daiunzan Ryoanji)

To the overzealous, Ryoanji Temple can be underwhelming by its main attraction, the zen-inducing rock garden. Over the years, however, I've found that this temple has touched me in an unexpected way by its serenity. The land used to serve as a villa for aristocrats from the Heian Period. The temple was built in 1450 by the …