A day in nature and in traditional Japanese culture brings us into the precious presence as we continue our Zen of Spirit practice. On this fourth day of our journey, let’s take a walk with John Morton in the Iya Valley as nature reflects our true selves to us, time and time again.
We walk together up a mountain path, pass waterfalls, beautiful clusters of trees, a river runs through the mountains. We listen to music, we listen inside, we watch Spirit reveal Itself to us around each corner, a new wonder! What is revealed to you?
And on to Chiiori — a jewel in itself. The “Lost Japan” comes to life at Chiiori. A three hundred year old Japanese house, good as new.
Chiiori’s mission is to preserve the traditional culture of Japan that is being lost because people are moving to the cities. 23 villagers remain in the Chiiori neighborhood.
The Chiiori staff greet us with a scrumptious lunch — an abundant lunch. Welcome, this is your home too. Mason, our Chiiori guide, shares his vision of Chiiori — a retreat for sharing and caring.
We meet two grandmothers grinding buckwheat traditional style. We roll dough and cut noodles, sitting on the dark brown polished hardwood floor.
We play a game — listen to the incense. Recognize that incense — its sound, its smell. We visit ancient shrines and throw our coins for good luck and for our ancestors.
John Morton blesses Chiiori, we share our Light with our new friends and companions.
Down the mountain we go, bumping along in buses. Here’s the “Haiku of the Day” from Jacquelyn Meilen:
We are moving on
but my heart still lingers in
mountain at Chiiori.
At our inn, we bathe again in the hot springs, we wash off the day and prepare to partake in the evening meal. Kimono clad, we listen closely as John Morton shares with us. Blissful we are.
And the journey continues….
