The Traveler contingency of the Zen of Spirit tour (J-R, Erik, Nat, Laura, JM) are on a Akita Shinkansen bullet train zooming north from Tokyo toward Kakunodate. At times we are hitting speeds of what must be 150 mph+. The ride is truly smooth and does make one scratch his head in wonder that a culture with the wealth and forsight of the U.S. comparatively has a rather pathetic rail system. The efficiency and effectiveness is something to behold and bestow.
Outside our window at the moment is Sendai station. A little known fact in MSIA lore is that Sendai is the former residence of Steve Beimel and an overnight stop for the Traveler contingency after the group tour completes. Today’s weather has been mostly sunny with pleasantly cool spring temperatures. In the distance we have seen several low mountain ranges with snow tops and lots of rice patties in the flat lands that meander in between the many nearby forested hills. It appears that the development for commercial and residential use has been very mindful of preserving the beauty and ecological values of the forested hills so that virtually all the building structures appear in the flat lands. Having this kind of conservation ethic prevalent in the culture undoubtedly speaks volumes for their overall blessedness and wealth.
There is also a cleanliness everywhere that Walt Disney would find most comforting. The admiration must be mutual since Mickey Mouse has been readily adopted as a local Japanese icon with Disneyland long in place.
We have much to learn from these folks about how to harmonize with the land while intense human utilization is required.
Sayonora for now.
Love & Light,
John
And added on 5/12/01
We are in preparation for entering and spending a day in the life of a Sotoshu Shumucho Zen Buddhist monk. Today we had 4 different opportunities to bathe in the natural hot springs at various locations.
Click here to view Day 1 of the Japan Trip
Click here to view Day 2 of the Japan Trip
Click here to view Day 3 of the Japan Trip
