Autumn 2023 found me at Jōjakkō-ji Temple in Kyoto, where I was immersed in the spectacle of crimson maple leaves. As I gazed upon this beauty, a black cat, a resident of the temple, sauntered past. The scene—vibrant leaves, the ancient Zen temple, and the feline presence—revealed to me not just the beauty of Kyoto in autumn, but also a glimpse of Zen serenity.