These were the doors that we went through every day. To classes, lectures, meals, and these are the same doors that we came through for our refuge. Our time out, our time away from “activity. We were 12 ladies in this room. yet, it is amazing that when in the room, in your own space, if you wanted to just lie and be quiet, tend to your whatever… you had that space. Even though many of us were in some way strangers, we co-existed with a sense of harmony that was “extra-ordinary”. Somehow, we knew when to communicate, exchange and when to simply “be” That is an “art” in itself.
Every morning, many woke early to make the journey to this sacred place to pray. Some would do it several times during the day. When we had the torch ceremony, many marched there from the residence carrying a torch. This was a sight to see as darkness fell, and all one could see was the torches walking in unison towards the First Founder’s Tomb (Okutsuki) Usually I would be in the procession, this year, due to my jet lag condition, I got there by bus, so for the first time, I saw the flames coming towards us, it was awesome to see. The feeling of being part of such a devout ceremony was moving.
There are no words that can fully describe the journey I was on. Yes, my body did not like the jet lag, and had me lying low at times, but the energy and the positive interaction of everyone around me made the experience one I will never forget. There were times where my thoughts drifted in and out of a tired overworked mind. I did some of my most brilliant thinking during some of those “out of body” moments, too bad, the memory cells were on vacation.
PL Precept # 18 Each Moment is a Turning Point
Pl Precept # 7 Everything exists in Relativity
my heart is filled with gratitude
for the experience
and the new friends made while in Japan
Oyashikiri
Gratitude and Prayers
Rev. Eisuke Inagaki, a friend who looked out for me every step of the way
Rev. Mamaru Itagaki -another friend who made sure I was alright, and for his wonderful Shikiri before I left
Rev. Atsushi Tsuji – I would have been sad to have missed the time with you
Rev. Fukito Kimura – how wonderful it was to meet you once again
Rev. Ichinen Furuichi – a new friend, with a Hawaiian background, I look forward to more discoveries
Rev. Misuo Michishita who I was honored to meet with for a consultation
Rev. Toyomi Hirayama who translated for us
Rev. Maruyama Noboru and his wife Akiko – what a happy moment to discover he spoke fluent French (Paris)
Rev. Ise Kouji whose generosity will always be remembered =^_^=
Rev. Higashigata, Arturo if only I could speak more Spanish =^_^=
-My apologies that I can not name all the wonderful people who made this visit so special – You aer all in my thoughts and prayers with much GRATITUDE
oops can’t forget Rev. Eugene who made sure I had all my meals booked.. =^_^= and recruited “sitters” to look out for me.
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