Hall of Serenity

The Hall of Serenity is designed around the ideals of Zen Buddhism, which took roots in feudal Japan. These ideals result in a ryokan-like sanctuary that aims to create a dialogue between the departed and nature while embracing beauty in simplicity and fukinsei - the Japanese concept of asymmetry.

The latter is expressed with an off-centre monument of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva that quickly draws the eye in the open-plan memorial hall. In another clever nod to fukinsei, it’s elegantly offset by an unfinished frame with just enough space for a few backlit cutouts of swirling clouds.

Together, these elements accentuate the reverence for Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, who vowed to liberate all souls in each realm of existence from even their deepest pain and suffering and guide them towards enlightenment. To aid his mission, he’s depicted in full regalia, including his khakkhara staff, a cintamani (a wish-fulfilling jewel) and the five-Buddha crown.

Nearby, preserved bonsai seeks to bring the outdoors in. Born out of gnarled trunks and aging branches but young, fresh foliage, it serves not only as a microcosm of the cycle of life but also as a promise of renewal for the departed after their passing.

This same level of thought goes into designing each ancestral tablet, which takes after another pillar of feudal Japan’s culture: samurai swords. Regarded as sacred extensions of their owners’ souls, samurai swords often arrive with ornately embossed grips to honour their untold status and the spirits of the samurais themselves.

Each ancestral tablet’s clear-glass top, reminiscent of a samurai sword’s polished blade, is sheathed into a grip-like pedestal that’s adorned with a lavish emblem. This ensures the souls of the departed are likewise enshrined with the highest order of veneration.