Gyoban (Japanese, Yuban Chinese) Brought into Japanese Zen temples from China during the Ming Dynasty. These large wooden fish would be struck to call monks like a bell. The fish is symbolic of "wakefulness" as it never sleeps. Reminding monks to stay on track with their training and tasks. #gyoban #yuban #woodenfish #mahayana #manpukuji #zen #zentemple #pureland #chan #buddhism #buddhisttemple #obakuzen #obaku #黄檗宗 #黄檗山萬福寺 #禅文化 #禅宗 #禅寺 #宇治 #京都 #関西 #日本 (at 黄檗山萬福寺) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVR80gsv_ZY/?utm_medium=tumblr








