After a very long day of travel, we
finally arrived.
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| Shunkoin Temple |
The next morning, we were welcomed by
Taka and given a tour of Shunko-in Temple and the neighborhood. Taka began by
explaining where shoes are and are not allowed, and how to
position them when leaving them in the "outside" area. Leaving shoes
with heels facing the wooden platform lined up straight and even is proper
etiquette. It shows that a person is a good student and has respect for herself and the place they are visiting.
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| Entrance to Shunkoin Temple |
Proper etiquette is important because
Japan is a communal society instead of individualistic like the United States.
In a communal society, improper etiquette reflects on the larger group: UNL, a
family or an institution. In an individualistic society bad behavior can be
directly attributed to the person committing the infraction.
Taka also said that zen is about everything you do; living in the moment and being present in every
activity or task. I particularly like this reminder since I am American
and living in a fast culture where multitasking is expected. Being
hyper-connected and extremely busy can make living in the moment difficult.
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| Shunkoin Temple garden |
The grounds of the Temple Complex are
serene yet bustling with activity. Schoolchildren, monks, visitors, bikers and
even cars travel these paths. The order and cleanliness of the complex grounds
help to focus the mind and instill calmness. This path is an example of shin,
objects shaped by man. The stones are orderly--not left to chance or nature.
The pebbles lining either side of the path are so--objects left to nature. They
are in no particular order or pattern. Throughout the temple complex there are
conscious design decisions down to small details using different combinations
of shin, go and gyo.
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| South walkway of Temple complex |
This path is also an example of so, objects left to
nature. This path is located on the Philosopher's Path.
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| Stone stairs on the Philosopher's Path |
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