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The last day we were able to hang out with John and Joel during their stay in Japan, we met them in Kyoto and went to see Kinkaku Temple. Originally constructed in 1397, the temple was burned down in 1950 by an obsessed monk. The pictures below are of the 1955 reconstruction, as it can be seen today.
The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees. I can understand why Joel thinks he's going to live in the temple one day.
Banzai is a cheer or phrase of thankfulness that means, "May you live ten thousand years!" In my yoga classes, my teachers sometimes substitute the phrase for Namaste, which means, "I bow to you," and honors the divinity in and around us. When we say these phrases, our arms are either stretched up high, or our hands are held together above our heads or in front of our chests in supplication. This bonsai tree reminds me of the meanings associated with banzai, not only because of the way it grows upward, but also because it is over 600 years old.
A tea sample with gold specks.
As we were exiting the main area of the temple, we were surprised to find that amidst the serenity and tradition that permeates Kinkakuji, there were some very modern additions. Not only was there an ice cream vending machine, but an omikuji, or fortune, machine!
Banzai is a cheer or phrase of thankfulness that means, "May you live ten thousand years!" In my yoga classes, my teachers sometimes substitute the phrase for Namaste, which means, "I bow to you," and honors the divinity in and around us. When we say these phrases, our arms are either stretched up high, or our hands are held together above our heads or in front of our chests in supplication. This bonsai tree reminds me of the meanings associated with banzai, not only because of the way it grows upward, but also because it is over 600 years old.
A tea sample with gold specks.
As we were exiting the main area of the temple, we were surprised to find that amidst the serenity and tradition that permeates Kinkakuji, there were some very modern additions. Not only was there an ice cream vending machine, but an omikuji, or fortune, machine!
No discrimination here, folks. Fortunes came in Japanese, Chinese, Korean and English. My fortune is written below:
The clouds over a high mountain are carried away by the wind, and a refreshing full moon will shine on the ground.
Your Fortune: Excellent
Like the moon rising, you'll become happier and happier and your business will be prosperous, but always be carefull or the good luck may turn into a bad one [sic].
Whew! I never need to worry again! Hope good fortune has been paying you a visit! We'll write again soon.
The clouds over a high mountain are carried away by the wind, and a refreshing full moon will shine on the ground.
Your Fortune: Excellent
Like the moon rising, you'll become happier and happier and your business will be prosperous, but always be carefull or the good luck may turn into a bad one [sic].
- wish : It will be settled earlier than expected by the help of your superiors.
- expected visitor : He (or she) visits you suddenly without notice.
- missing thing : Look into the furniture.
- travel : All right.
- business : It will go well if you are always careful.
- study : Keep on studying with confidence.
- speculation : Stay. Must Wait.
- game and match : Someone will help you. It will be settled sooner.
- love : Take care not to lose yourself. It goes well.
- removal : You can try it at any time.
- childbirth : All right. So be faithful.
- illness : Don't worry. You'll get it over.
- marriage proposal : It will soon be arranged unexpectedly. Leave it to others.
Whew! I never need to worry again! Hope good fortune has been paying you a visit! We'll write again soon.
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