Wow what a day. Today we both visited Zenkoji Buddhist Temple which was built in the 7th century and as one sect then. It was then feuded over by clansmen like Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. Honda Yoshimitsu is said to have rescued the 'image' and established it here. Eventually the temple became the two sects and they still co-operate. The Japanese guide I spoke to was very impressed that an Australian knew which family ran it haha. It was funny. You pay respects to the Honda family for their dedication to the people and the temple by taking them.
Today we experienced the pilgrimmage to the temple many buddhist worshippers experience where u walk through the gates guarded by "far out they are massive statues" who are peoplewho gave up their immortality to become gaurdians of the area for the rest of the people to be safe. There are 4 'protected' sides. All made to look threatening, and they do.
We also went into the inner temple, (shoes off and cleansed by water n incense) to experience 'O Kaidan Meguri' where you go into complete darkness down into a cold, pitch black crypt and hold your right hand on the wall in search of the door to the hidden Buddha. They explained to us that when you pass away, knowing where the key is allows your spirit to find it and step through into paradise/heaven. It was a very peaceful place, incense, drums, bells. All how it was so long ago. Money has wormed its way in a little but it was stillvery good, only rice was ever accepted up until a certain point as I understand it. We were able to see the monuments for many of the clans I know of so my history taste buds werewhetted. A great day. Good to understand others beliefs. You'll see a picture of the Sand Mandala (check link) made by the tibetian priests who were here 2 years ago, we watched how they made it, incredible patience. Wasn't any signs saying no photography in the historical museum so I hope its ok to show the end result.
We spent most of the day there because we were very peaceful. On our way back to Nagano we walked it. Miso flavoured icecream was tried and so was Miso rice ball. They were yummy,strangely enough. Lol. (Miso - fermented soybean)
O, and Erin got Crunky on the way home....
Can't easily change the order of the photos sorry!
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