Byodo temple

Byodo temple is located in the BEAUTIFUL Valley of the Temples.  It is actually in a cemetery.   The most beautiful cemetery I have ever seen.  If you had to be burried this would be the place.  Everything about it was peaceful.  It had just rained before we got there so there were waterfalls down every crevice of the mountain backdrop.  I could see at least 8 waterfalls while standing in 1 spot.  walking toward the Byodo temple I couldn't help but notice the hint of perfume that filled the air.  I just kept taking in deep breaths filling my nose and lung with the sweet smell of.  It was like the entire area was specially infused with Jasmine.  Upon closer examination I noticed it was in fact the case.  Jasmine was planted all over giving it that incredible scent.  I can't say the same for inside the temple which reeked of incense.  Why someone would want to cover the beautiful smell of flowers such as Jasmine with incense I'll never know.

The temple itself was created as a copy of one in Japan.  This temple is called the Phoenix temple.  To emphasise that the temple architecture itself was meant to resemble a phoenix. there were also statues of phoenixes on either side.  

Inside the temple was a massive buddah.  This Buddah was carved then covered with cloth and painted with three applications of gold lacquer. Gold leaf was later applied over the lacquer finish. Around the Buddha are 52 smaller sculptures depicting Boddhisattvas (enlightened beings) floating on clouds, dancing, and playing musical instruments.