photo courtesy of L. Marek
photo courtesy of L. Marek
Click on the photo for a larger image
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photo courtesy of L. Marek |
This breathtaking view is of the Zuio-ji Zen Buddhist temple seen through the late November foliage. |
photo courtesy of L. Marek |
Autumn colors frame our ascent to the temple grounds. |
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Getting this group to pose for a group picture was reminiscent of herding chickens. |
photo courtesy of L. Marek |
Here is the small Shinto Shrine on the Buddhist Temple compound honoring the venerable 800 year old gingko tree, seen in its yellow fall foliage.. |
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The torii gate which symbolizes the Shinto Shrine signifies the separation between the everyday world and the divine. |
photo courtesy of L. Marek |
Here the temple grounds are silent in the late afternoon light. |
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This is the interior of the main hall where religious worshippers pray to the images of the Buddha or butsuzo. |
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This Zen worshipper demonstrates for us the proper position for meditation. |
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Our translator, the "Monk from Massachusetts," shows how one is reminded not to fall asleep while meditating. |
photo courtesy of L. Marek |
Our group is served green tea and cakes while engaging in relaxing conversation with the monk. The envelopes in front of each of us contain gifts. |
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We each received this charming cloth poem which says: " Let's sit quietly and have good deep breath and try to have a good sweat (work) today and have a good encounter." |
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This is the view overlooking Niihama City from the meeting room where we enjoyed tea. |
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