While in Tomakomai last weekend, we randomly stopped to take photos of a HUGE temple. A monk, driving into the compound in his little K-car, invited us in to take a look. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have had in Japan, yet. He spent about an hour showing us the temple, trying out the giant singing bowl, ringing a huge wooden bell-like thing, playing taiko drums, and teaching us how to sit zazen for meditation. The tatami mats in the temple were soft, green and shiny. The golden hanging chandaliers were spectacular fire-breathing dragons. The buddahs were diverse and lovely. And in the air was a feeling of sacredness that I have deeply missed. I was overwhelmed to be in a house of worship/meditation again.
We learned that if you rub the Buddah on the body part where you have illness, you could be healed. If only I`d known that a couple months ago. . .
And the Buddhist temple has a Religious Education program! Below are some Buddahs that the children colored. Hooray for RE!
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