Photo= Image of lotus flowers projected in the Hojo front garden. They symbolize purity and represent the calm world after death (5:54 p.m., October 17, Kodaiji Temple, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto)

A test run of illumination was held at Kodaiji Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, on October 17 prior to the temple's autumn evening special admission. Projection mapping images with the theme of "Life and Death" are shown both inside and outside the precincts, asking visitors, "What Life is."

An approximately three-minute image is projected on the white sand of the precincts' Hojo front garden, accompanied by a music with a slow rhythm. Showing lotus flowers which symbolize purity and a circle of light which symbolizes the universe, the images depict the calm afterlife based on Buddhist teachings.

Meanwhile, images representing "motion" are projected on "Chokushi-mon," or the Imperial Messenger's Gate, and the wall of "Risho-do" hall outside the precincts. The images of vivid fireworks and crimson maple leaves dancing to the movement of a dragon represent the "mortal life" in which people live.

Tensho Goto, the temple's chief steward, said, "We would like people to have a chance to think about death and to reconsider the life which is familiar to us through visiting our temple." The special evening opening is from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., from October 19 to December 9. Reception will close at 9:30 p.m. There is an admission fee.