Ota Shrine (2C-16)

There are two versions of this garden image. One shows the garden from an inward direction; the other an outward direction. Here, we see the inward view. This shrine used to be called “Ontasha,” meaning “abundant grace or favor,” and when we encounter these blossoming iris—approximately 25,000 of them—the name sure makes sense. This image shows the depth of the garden, an abundant sea of irises, by placing the horizon above the mid-point in the image, giving us an impression of heading towards an eternal grace in the distance. Purple is regarded as the color of the imagination and high spirituality, which invokes in us inner peace and happiness.