Click here for the photo slideshow from Japan.
The day begins gently and lovingly. We go to Ren Geji for Spiritual Exercises and tea. It is cold, still, a little sun and lovely. We are at the fourth best garden in Japan and we see why. John Morton prepares us for Spiritual Exercises. We do them looking out over a sculpted pond, greens of varying shades in trees that drape over the pond. There is a bridge and little Buddha statues appear and disappear. The ground is covered in moss that begs to be touched and we touch it. It is so still yet 40 minutes seems like 5 and it’s time for a walk and tea. School kids and other visitors appear and explore the garden with us. Their laughter sparks the innocence in each of us. A group of young boys that soon will be men play and are happy to have their picture taken. Surprise! The Traveler, John Morton, has joined their ranks. Funny how Travelers fit right in!
We stay warm while waiting to depart for our next destination by doing movement. David Allen leads some of us. Doing the moves sure kept me warm. We try holding our arms out parallel to the ground and lift one leg parallel to the ground and hold it for forever.
Walking and laughing was our theme today. We walked to the train, through the city, through neighborhoods in the outskirts, and back to the train. We munch on cookies and we dub cinnamon tiles. Canned hot coffee tastes almost wonderful–at least it is warm. One train had seats that were plush with two seats together to form a couch. Nicest train I’ve ever been on for city transport.
Lunch was at Heihachi Jaya. Simple beauty is the presentation of this lunch. We are hungry and ready to eat, and we keep laughing. Everything seems funny! Our lunch room has tatami flooring, golden walls with large calligraphy, and windows that show us flowers and yards that stretch way out beyond us.
Mr. Ibata, the calligrapher, came as a friend of Steve Beimel’s. He is a master at what he does. One brush is huge and he can barely lift us. A group of young boys that soon will be men play and are happy to have their picture taken. Surprise! The Traveler, John Morton, has joined their ranks. Funny how Travelers fit right in!
We stay warm while waiting to depart for our next destination by doing movement. David Allen leads some of us. Doing the moves sure kept me warm. We try holding our arms out parallel to the ground and lift one leg parallel to the ground and hold it for forever.
Walking and laughing was our theme today. We walked to the train, through the city, through neighborhoods in the outskirts, and back to the train. We munch on cookies and we dub cinnamon tiles. Canned hot coffee tastes almost wonderful–at least it is warm. One train had seats that were plush with two seats together to form a couch. Nicest train I’ve ever been on for city transport.
Lunch was at Heihachi Jaya. Simple beauty is the presentation of this lunch. We are hungry and ready to eat, and we keep laughing. Everything seems funny! Our lunch room has tatami flooring, golden walls with large calligraphy, and windows that show us flowers and yards that stretch way out beyond us.
Mr. Ibata, the calligrapher, came as a friend of Steve Beimel’s. He is a master at what he does. One brush is huge and he can barely lift it. With a grunt he picks up the brush and begins the sound. The word is cloud and the character is lovely. I’m seeing as I write this update that how Haikus (short poems of 17 syllables) are very useful in conveying rich imagery in a few words. We’ve been practicing writing Haikus for our experiences. Here are a few:
“Black cat with gold eyes
Resting on Traveler’s pack
Sleepy and content.”
by Olga Schmal
“The girl with long hair.
She and I are together.
I forgive it all.”
by Angel
We are joined today by Brian Cutchell from Thailand. He is so happy to be with our MSIA family. He is our brother and is enfolded.
Our last treat of the day is a visit with Steve Beimel’s friend, Masa Fujiwara, at Masa’s house. Can we all fit? Indeed yes, though we take turns being served tea in Masa’s tea room. Masa leads us through a tea ceremony. Karen Powell plays the honored guest and serves us–her friends. We bow in respect and honor the one next to us before we raise our cup to God in thanks. We turn our cups twice and drink the tea. Then we study our cup. Mine is a Hagi and I am lucky to use it.
Our last treat of the day is a visit with Steve Beimel’s friend, Masa Fujiwara, at Masa’s house. Can we all fit? Indeed yes, though we take turns being served tea in Masa’s tea room. Masa leads us through a tea ceremony. Karen Powell plays the honored guest and serves us–her friends. We bow in respect and honor the one next to us before we raise our cup to God in thanks. We turn our cups twice and drink the tea. Then we study our cup. Mine is a Hagi and I am lucky to use it.
Masa also does tea flowers. In minutes he has collected the perfect flowers and has a creation that is simple and overpoweringly beautiful. We are awed. Refreshed we leave for our hotel. We prepare for dinner. A hot shower warms me inside and out. I am getting good with my takata robe. The house assistant checks my bow – oh dear – it didn’t pass muster. I bend over and she corrects it. Now I’m ready for dinner. Yes, I get to have steak tonight. This is a treat – others have cooked fish – that is good too. I am tired and we have packing to do, but first another touch in with the essence and Spirit. John Morton ordains Brian and we have a short Q&A. John’s blessing prepares us for night travel. A little packing, a little update writing and now it’s time for bed.
Thank you for the Light
You send we are protected
You and God are one.
