Emptiness Is Not Nothingness
Emptiness is not Nothingness
Emptiness is not Nothingness One of the most beautiful places I have ever had the opportunity to experience. An “experience” is the perfect term to describe it, far more than just a visit, the experience of entering a place so different than what I have known through my life and so beautiful in its own respect was an unbelievable opportunity.
Kawasaki Daishi
What an appropriate setting for the peaceful meditation, chants, and daily prayers that take place on these grounds. The scenery speckled with Buhhdist Monks in all manner of action; some sit on steps sketching next to young children, others lighting incense in the square, and in the Main Hall of the Kawasaki Daishi shrine were two monks who were busy burning what looked to be small wooden boards that one could buy outside of the hall.
Having the fortune of being provided some explanation of rituals prior to arriving at the temple, I was instructed to approach the cauldron in the middle of the square prior to heading towards that Main Hall for prayer. In the cauldron are several incense that the Buhhdist Monks maintain, it is said that allowing the smoke to overwhelm yourself helps to ward off illness for a year; though it apparently does not do much to protect against jet lag (R Furmoto, personal communication, June 6, 2010).
After kneeling in silent thought for some time in the Main Hall, there was still much to see. The grounds of the Kawasaki Daishi Temple are quite large and all of it is beautiful. It seems the perfect place to house the Buhhdist Monks who live such quite, spiritual lives.
East Meets West
The concept of Buddhism for Westerners may be even more foreign than the experience of entering their place of worship. At least most have seen a picture of a Japanese Temple as a reference, but the actual religious ideals are not as familiar for most. A complete contrast to the major religions in the West,
Emptiness is not Nothingness One of the most beautiful places I have ever had the opportunity to experience. An “experience” is the perfect term to describe it, far more than just a visit, the experience of entering a place so different than what I have known through my life and so beautiful in its own respect was an unbelievable opportunity.
Kawasaki Daishi
What an appropriate setting for the peaceful meditation, chants, and daily prayers that take place on these grounds. The scenery speckled with Buhhdist Monks in all manner of action; some sit on steps sketching next to young children, others lighting incense in the square, and in the Main Hall of the Kawasaki Daishi shrine were two monks who were busy burning what looked to be small wooden boards that one could buy outside of the hall.
Having the fortune of being provided some explanation of rituals prior to arriving at the temple, I was instructed to approach the cauldron in the middle of the square prior to heading towards that Main Hall for prayer. In the cauldron are several incense that the Buhhdist Monks maintain, it is said that allowing the smoke to overwhelm yourself helps to ward off illness for a year; though it apparently does not do much to protect against jet lag (R Furmoto, personal communication, June 6, 2010).
After kneeling in silent thought for some time in the Main Hall, there was still much to see. The grounds of the Kawasaki Daishi Temple are quite large and all of it is beautiful. It seems the perfect place to house the Buhhdist Monks who live such quite, spiritual lives.
East Meets West
The concept of Buddhism for Westerners may be even more foreign than the experience of entering their place of worship. At least most have seen a picture of a Japanese Temple as a reference, but the actual religious ideals are not as familiar for most. A complete contrast to the major religions in the West,
References: Fisher, M. P. (2005). Living religions (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. McLelland, J. "Thiswordly and otherworldly: Hinduism and Buddhism." Presbyterian Record Oct. 2009: 29+. General OneFile. Web. 7 June 2010.