There is something to be said about looking out over the water into the hills, clear blue skies. white fluffy clouds, and time to simply be. It is important to make the time for yourSELF
PL Precept 18 Each Moment is a turning Point
foothills of the Adirondacks,NY State (Waverly)
Pl Precept # 15 All is a Mirror
Celebration of life in the night time sky
photographer -Kelly Nakano
PL Japan 2016
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.
Knowing it would be a while before I would once more be in Japan, I surveyed the available restaurants well before I decided on where I would eat. No fast take away, or the airport versions of western food, believe me the dishes all looked good, I was hungry.
I had plenty of time, I decided on a venue that had a more traditional feel (for me). I saw it as my last meal … and made the most of it.
I obviously have a lot to tell you about, once I’m over this jet lag, I’ll talk more of the benefits of eating healthy, the talk I had with the doctor in Japan, (re. being diabetic) The Japanese cultural history is world known for promoting good health and longevity. (Food)
Being without internet, social media, television, etc. for an extended period is very self revealing.
PL # 15 All is a Mirror
Oyashikiri
The sign points the way to the ladies bathing area
this time around, I didn’t get the sliding doors into the area
once inside, we remove our shoes
and put them in the slots allotted for guests
On entering into the first room, there are sinks on the left
to the right an area to remove and put your clothes in a designated shelf box
once you have removed all your clothes
you can enter into the bathing area,
it is again through a pair of sliding doors.
the chair you see in the back corner
is a massage chair,
I regret to say, I never had the opportunity to try it
on entering there is one north american type stall
next to it is a sauna,
which again, I did not get to use
the next picture will show you the most popular way
to shower and remove the day’s “grime”
I have found that this is the most comfortable and practical
way to wash. You do your hair, and rinse off well
before you can get into the bath itself.
Soaps, shampoo and conditioner is provided
Once you are all cleaned and rinsed off,
only then, do you enter the bath.
then it is back to the dorm
refreshed and relaxed
ready to roll out your futon
and tuck yourself in
This picture was taken after
some of the participants had gone
we were 12 to a room
what you see is what was in front of me,
from my little “home” while there
this little nook, is where we could get hot/cold water
or cold drinks (vending machines)
just outside our room. Where the two ladies
are looking is into another smaller bathing area
International visitors are welcomed once a year
we came from North American, Brazil, Argentina
Spain, and, and….. the North American participants were from the States
except for moi, the only Canadian.
This delightful woman was like our “den” Mother, she
and her crew, manned the International Office,
took our keys, gave out the keys.. rooms were always
locked when no one was in the room
The staff worked from the wee hours till late into the evening
answering questions, helping with our needs,
ensuring we got to meals on time
We always knew we had them there to look out for us.
Even though the majority of them could not speak English
it is amazing how efficient they were
and how we all managed to communicate
it is a VERY long journey from where I live
to Osaka, Japan, and from there to PL headquarters, about another hour away.
was it worth it
yes, every minute, second of the pilgrimage
was a blessing
my sincere gratitude and love goes to all
who shared this journey with me
making it an unforgetable experience.
Oyashikiri
Today I would like to thank the Nature Ripe Farms in BC for the delicious fat plump blueberries I had for breakfast. I started out rinsing them, and was only going to have a couple, but some how the hand at the end of my arm, kept popping them into my mouth. What a mouth-watering treat. The now almost empty container sports the Canadian flag.. Pl Principle # 8 says “I will not have a mind to be greedy” hmmmmm I see I will have to practice more restraint around the little beauties.
In the summer, when fresh produce is in abundance, I find blueberries and other fresh products I like, hard to resist. I will go most fall, winter and spring, and not give a blueberry a glance, but when these big fat round ones appear. I succumb to the bliss of a melting blueberry on the tongue as I savour the moments of pleasure they give me.
PL Principle # 3 – Appreciation – I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.
Visit a link naturipefarms.com to read about the goodness of the blueberry.
This is a saying that I think should be posted on billboards all over the place. Speaks for itself. Networking is not kindness. It is important in today’s world, for connecting, sharing ideas, and it is super effective, I am a believer of networking. But, there is a difference between networking and kindness.
PL Precept # 11 Always be with God
rain rain
go away
I’m really late
you must not stay
with the door
so far away
I’m stuck inside
till you go away
you are putting me to sleep
that steady driving drumming
on the roof
soothing, soft and calming
yawning, I give in
engulfed tamed by your lullaby
my busy mind
will stop chattering & meditate
till you go away
**
PL Precept # 19 Begin Once You Perceive
Namaste – Oyashikiri
Sometimes in life, we need to listen to our inner voice.. stop running, we are doing, doing doing, but not being effective, Life will find a way to step in and ensure you stop, listen, and recharge.
Ok I’m not in the wilderness, but I could be. Right, I’m not lost either, but just because I know where I am doesn’t mean I’m not lost. If I was an ant wandering around down there amongst the foliage, it would be a wilderness. (perspective)
Especially if I had to find my way home, and back up the tree. Would the rain hamper my progress? Certainly in a downpour in the truck, when it comes down in sheets, it is very difficult to see, even with the window washers going at full speed.
Picture perfect isn’t what the day is all about. I guess basically my thoughts are wandering, and tho’ I’m in a familiar place physically, my gray matter is heading for the wilderness, to find some breathing room.
Sometimes it is best, to let life around you, sway and bend as it may, tomorrow will be another day. So when you wake, it will be a brand new day.
Namaste – Oyashikiri
PL Precept # 7 Everything exists in relativity
LIFE IS ART
PL Precept #1
PL Precept #21 World Peace is Everything
Oyashikiri
Doors of old buildings that have been maintained
given fresh paint
always give me pause for wonder
b.t.w thr building wasn’t crooked
I was trying to avoid cars
so managed an artist slant =^_^=
my friend and I were waiting across the street,
we didn’t get to go across to see
just what was behind the open window
it made for an interesting effect
closed-door, wide open window
if you are into funky old architecture
next time you are in the downtown Ottawa
park and walk
Namaste – Oyashikiri
PL Precept # 19 Begin once you Perceive
PL Principle # 3 I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things
dymoonblog 