tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35017123113867920252024-03-06T00:06:43.800+09:00 One Time One Meetingsnowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-22306412565093179242014-04-07T23:08:00.002+09:002014-05-13T00:54:25.911+09:00Once a year, heaven appears in Nara Park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Two years ago, I heard a conversation of two men. When I was taking photos in Nara Park, two men near me were talking about Sakura - cherry blossoms. Both of them were in their mid-30s. One of them lived in Nara and guided his friend around the park. He said, "Cherry blossoms here are beautiful. However, there are many places where more beautiful cherry blossoms are. But, look at deer eating fallen petals of Sakura. This place turns into Heaven! " His friend quietly nodded saying, " Yes, yes. How true it is!"</span></div>
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I had not been able to write blogs nor to go out to take photos for a long time. Last spring, my husband got cancer. After a surgical operation, he had complications. It took him long time to recover. Now, he is slowly getting better. My blog friends, I thank you a lot for your warm concerns about me. I was very very glad, but I was too exhausted to do anything. The above is my first photo taken in Nara Park after a year. Life is beautiful, isn't it!!snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-64931985754479306612013-03-12T00:34:00.000+09:002013-03-13T00:50:48.182+09:00Pray for Tohoku, 3.11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On March 11th, 2011, devastating earthquake hit Tohoku Region of Japan. The great earthquake triggered Tsunami and leakage of radiation from the destroyed nuclear power plants. 15,881 people were killed, 6,142 people were injured, and 2,668 people were missing. A number of people have still been tormented.<br />
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Yesterday (on March 10th) I was in Todai-ji Temple. It was a rainy day, but around a sunset it stopped. Sunlight came out of thick dark rain clouds. The sunlight looked as if benevolent saving hands of Kannon Bodhisattva, Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion, had reached us and given hope.<br />
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The big roof in silhouette is the one of Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple.<br />
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Visit<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"> <span style="color: blue;">Our World</span></a> and read more.</div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-64031468395018626272013-02-13T13:41:00.000+09:002013-03-05T09:34:59.249+09:00Funny, Stupid, But My Favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Nara Park, there is an unique contest! You will never be able to find like this even if you search for it all over the world. It is "Deer Cracker Throwing Contest" which is held a few times a year on the hillside of Mt. Wakakusa, Nara Park where wild deer live and mingle with people.<br />
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The participants of the contest throw a bigger deer cracker than usual and compete the distance. But, you can imagine what will happen as soon as a cracker is thrown. The cracker comes apart and goes into the stomachs of the deer as soon as it lands on the field. It is difficult not only to throw a super-light cracker but also to measure the distance.This contest is very very funny and stupid, but I love it very much!<br />
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The first contest of this year was held on 26th January, it was windy day. All day long strong winds blew and violent gusts of winds curled. Sometimes a cracker returned with a strong wind like a boomerang. One woman got the poorest record, minus 5 meters. The winner was a man whose record was 36.8 meters. He was awarded with a trophy of deer antlers!<br />
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The followings are interesting dramas between people and deer!<br />
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<b>In winter, January 2013.</b><br />
Glacial winds numb his or her hands. But all of People and deer are enjoying and happy!<br />
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<b>In summer, August 2012.</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Always before a contest starts, many deer are waiting ! In August, 2012. </span><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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Carps in a pond are half hibernating.</div>
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But, in an icy air, the sunlight shows the promise of coming spring.</div>
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"Happy Valentine" from the deer with white hearts, in Nara Park.</div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-6330782028151851962013-02-01T01:04:00.001+09:002013-02-06T12:48:44.976+09:00Sign of Spring, Grass Burning Ceremony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year , "Grass Burning Ceremony" in Mt. Wakakusa is held on the forth Saturday of January. This ceremony is the most spectacular and popular event in winter Nara. This year it was held on 26th January.<br />
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Since ancient times, fire has long been used for purification and cleansing both in Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan.<br />
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There are many spots to enjoy watching the event. I watched it at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa.<br />
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300 firefighters are ready for "Grass Burning Ceremony" with their fire engines.</div>
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Before the ceremony, a dancing entertainment is held on a temporarily built stage.<br />
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"Passion"</div>
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Elegant and exotic with Chinese fragrance.</div>
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Sento-kun is a holy boy with deer antlers, who was chosen as a mascot for the 1300th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heijo-kyo Nara in 2010.</div>
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Now he is a super star.!</div>
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The sacred fire is carried to the foot of Mt. Wakakusa. They make a bonfire. </div>
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The Buddhist monks of Todai-ji Temple and Kofuku-ji Temple, and Shinto priests of Kasuga Grand Shrine perform a small ritual.</div>
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A number of fireworks are launched. They are so big!! </div>
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300 firefighters set the mountain on fire.<br />
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Huge walls of fire and smoke appear and overwhelm us. Walls are swelling and swirling,<br />
being buffeted by gusts of wind. What a dynamic scenery it is!!</div>
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The area of 33 hectares is burnt down in 30 minutes.<br />
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"Grass Burning Ceremony" dates back to 1760. But its origin is not clear. One theory says the mountain was set fire to solve the boundary dispute between temples and a shrine near the mountain. Other theory says someone started to set fire to console the ghost's spirit which haunted around a small tomb on the top of the mountain. Also it is said that the mountain was burnt to drive away wild boars. </div>
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People in Nara see every phase of seasons in every festival or ceremony. "Grass Burning Ceremony" has long been seen as a harbinger of spring. The subtle hint of spring exists even in the icy air. When spring comes here, fresh sprouts will spring up out of the ashes. To burn the mountain is also for rejuvenation of the mountain.</div>
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My related blog, <a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/01/fire-for-purification.html"><span style="color: blue;">"Fire for Purification".(Click here.)</span></a><br />
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On 28th January, two days after the ceremony, Nara Park was covered with snow.<br />
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Mt. Wakakusa is over there.</div>
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<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"><span style="color: blue;">Visit Our World and read more.</span></a></div>
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<br />snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-81304286883965017872012-12-29T18:51:00.000+09:002013-01-24T18:05:10.182+09:00Come and Go<h4 style="text-align: center;">
May the coming new year be the best </h4>
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for all of you, all people and all beings throughout the world. </h4>
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At this time of the year, holidays illumination events are held all over Japan. What do people think, walking under the <span style="text-align: center;">ephemeral light of the stars? </span><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfuMzeGLYXrEvfJNThAIRnw3dl5pwMnYMofxfLgJ8aBx8PF9EIKLECbsaqJos8_apnwwxpJTbDYUIeKpS-JkdSMdCBvaZk2ZqhWVYg3KQLshFeg5wFy50DXjHvLfuViO8wc_iTtQbOez-/s1600/blogIMG_1751+750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfuMzeGLYXrEvfJNThAIRnw3dl5pwMnYMofxfLgJ8aBx8PF9EIKLECbsaqJos8_apnwwxpJTbDYUIeKpS-JkdSMdCBvaZk2ZqhWVYg3KQLshFeg5wFy50DXjHvLfuViO8wc_iTtQbOez-/s1600/blogIMG_1751+750.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> I feel as if the stars were falling over us.</span></div>
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I imagine how the night sky of the olden days looked like. It must have been filled with subtle and transient light of stardust. Now we are enjoying the artificial star falling night. Beautiful but I miss the genuine star falling night. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpx6d8E4zqIyqft7DEXXSzkzVsBgZOQYaKGoMfFmgIZ48XZKMtVQCyBR3wAQUJKu1CiBg4GR6qdDjAucLtZ9uKukwapICcpjpN9L-DskucwxLdv0bGOScuv5aF3OzBwUojyYQhApR-23f/s1600/blogIMG_2448+500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpx6d8E4zqIyqft7DEXXSzkzVsBgZOQYaKGoMfFmgIZ48XZKMtVQCyBR3wAQUJKu1CiBg4GR6qdDjAucLtZ9uKukwapICcpjpN9L-DskucwxLdv0bGOScuv5aF3OzBwUojyYQhApR-23f/s640/blogIMG_2448+500.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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A tiny moon is over the blue twinkling stars.</div>
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Tohoku(東北) Hnad in Hand. We have prayed for Tohoku.</div>
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2012 is going to close the curtain and New Year is coming around
soon. We look back on 2012 ,and wish the coming new year the happiest and most peaceful.<br />
A year comes and goes silently and surely.<br />
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Thank you, all my friends, for visiting my blog and leaving your warm messages.</div>
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See you next year!<br />
<br />
keiko<br />
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Sorry, this time a comment is closed.snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-63146356262790525092012-12-10T23:55:00.000+09:002012-12-15T01:03:13.020+09:00Nothing Special or Something Special<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been amazed with the speed, I mean, everything comes and goes too fast. A few days ago, I still enjoyed the remains of beautiful autumn, but yesterday, Nara had the first snowfall of the season. And today we had the coldest day of this winter. </div>
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<b>Yesterday </b><b>(December 9th) </b><b>in Nara </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zByQpI-BsCskKh_wBJks8QmTCOd66GkStyoLrqxmsegzXzfSOQqYPQKZ2a9A0Skbm-UxxfA6hEQHc6M-PzQLzDbOV9sX0D3QY0xiRLFczOQPtwNBok3LCOjdlP1FOhzCIhnouSK0Ja78/s1600/blogIMG_8088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zByQpI-BsCskKh_wBJks8QmTCOd66GkStyoLrqxmsegzXzfSOQqYPQKZ2a9A0Skbm-UxxfA6hEQHc6M-PzQLzDbOV9sX0D3QY0xiRLFczOQPtwNBok3LCOjdlP1FOhzCIhnouSK0Ja78/s640/blogIMG_8088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nara had the first snow on 9th December.</div>
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Snow was melting and tiny water drops were dripping under a dull sky.</div>
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When taking photos, I heard the sound of drums echoing. "Nara Marathon" began! This is an annual event.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DGINtQbwlPO3ydowQIubVhc1g3kDYucLMsq12linTfL3MubeRzGuIfkuMV6S6HPxbhCz5_MK_I6plzetCuj9LM2s47dHj0mKkNJ_5yGVIUAoIo9-LWnBL4N8nxBoXNhiiZLGbkKzXB9O/s1600/blogIMG_8444+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DGINtQbwlPO3ydowQIubVhc1g3kDYucLMsq12linTfL3MubeRzGuIfkuMV6S6HPxbhCz5_MK_I6plzetCuj9LM2s47dHj0mKkNJ_5yGVIUAoIo9-LWnBL4N8nxBoXNhiiZLGbkKzXB9O/s1600/blogIMG_8444+2.JPG" /><span style="text-align: left;"></span></a></div>
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About 10,000 people participated in the marathon. Many of them seemed not to mind a record, but just to enjoy running.</div>
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They were cheering up the participants with drum sounds.</div>
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<b>A few days ago in Kyoto</b></div>
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Many of leaves were losing glowing autumn colors and turning muted earth colors. But they looked even more profound and tasteful.</div>
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Fallen leaves were dancing a farewell waltz in water.</div>
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Autumn was disappearing, leaving beautiful footprints.</div>
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Here I met a refined camerawoman. We had a pleasant time to enjoy the last autumn and its reflections on a wooden floor. We took photos lying on our stomachs. Otherwise the reflections could not be captured. It must have be a funny scene if somebody had seen two women lying on the floor and taking photos.<br />
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Merry Christmas cappuccino to you<br />
in my favorite cafe<br />
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Visit <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"><span style="color: blue;">Our World</span></a> and read more.<br />
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-47458564685288519872012-11-23T21:21:00.000+09:002013-01-10T19:48:27.550+09:00Autumn Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Nara Park(奈良公園), maples and ginkgoes are boasting beautiful autumn colors</div>
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in the thickening dusk. The deer are going home.</div>
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This year is very very special. Usually leaves of ginkgo trees turn shining gold at first. Around the time the ginkgo trees are shedding leaves, maple leaves are turning glorious autumn colors. So it is hard to enjoy both of them together at the best time. But this year we can enjoy both of them at the same time because coldness came earlier.<br />
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Is this a wonderful gift from a capricious Goddess of Autumn? The nature is weaving brocades from autumn foliage in myriad of colors. </div>
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There is a Japanese expression "錦秋 Kinshuu" to depict the autumn beautifully decorated with autumn leaves. "錦‐Kin" means "Brocade" and "秋‐shuu" autumn. </div>
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In Nara Park. A ginkgo tree looks like as if it wore crimson maple brocade!!</div>
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All photos were taken in Nara Park, Nara and in Jingo-ji Temple, Kyoto. </div>
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In Nara Park, children are playing with the deer after school.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here is </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingo-ji" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">Jingo-ji temple(神護寺)</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> on Mt. Takao(高雄山) in Kyoto. The mountain and the temple are well-known as popular maple viewing spots. I did not see ginkgo trees here. I wished there had been ginkgo trees.</span></div>
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These are the last staircases to the main hall of the temple. </div>
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The maple trees are flaming and reaching their hands to the visitors!</div>
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Nature pleases the eye as well as the palate. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">They are Tenpura of maple leaves, deep-fried maple leaves.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">I bought them as a souvenir.</span><br />
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A body of a car becomes a canvas! Nature is an artist.<br />
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The weather of the day when I visited was very bumpy. It rained and the sun appeared, and it rained again and the sun appeared repeatedly. </div>
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But after rain, the shining of the leaves become even more brighter </div>
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and their colors become more profound.</div>
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Oh, I found more ”Kinshuu-錦秋” here and there!! Let's enjoy with me!<br />
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Over the head</div>
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on the ground<br />
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In water</div>
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In an open-air restaurant in a Japanese style</div>
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After dark</div>
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My related blogs are</div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/12/sayonara-autumn-leaves.html"><span style="color: blue;">Sayonara, Autumn leaves</span></a></div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com56日本, 京都府京都市右京区梅ケ畑高雄町5, 神護寺35.055022 135.670867135.053397000000004 135.66839960000001 35.056647 135.6733346tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-40886517935343375492012-11-12T13:06:00.000+09:002013-01-10T19:45:29.286+09:00Glory for a Short Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I often pass a small river near my house. On the bank of the river, there is a tiny park with Sakura cherry trees. I have never seen any people or children in this park. I have had an impression the people have not payed attention to the park for a long time.</div>
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One day I saw this scenery. </div>
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Autumn leaves of Sakura cherry trees are floating and flowing on the river quietly, </div>
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basking in the late afternoon sun.</div>
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Each leave holds a shining light proudly! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Glorious moment for the river! I am in a right time and in a right place!</span></div>
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The river and leaves are sining a song in praise of autumn. </div>
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They are coming and coming and coming.</div>
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From time to time, the sun disappears behind clouds.</div>
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The river and fallen leaves, thank you very much. You inspired me in many ways. </div>
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I do not drive a car. No matter where I go, I take a public transportation. So many times I have to give up going to a distant place to take photos. But you showed me a heavenly scenery in an earthly place. You taught me "beauty is everywhere". </div>
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Peace and serenity in Nara Park.</div>
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I visited Tokyo with my mother to see my son last week. Mom was so happy to see him that she continued talking with him. </div>
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I close comments for a while. Thanks a lot for visiting my blog. </div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-3211717372663141112012-10-29T21:32:00.000+09:002013-01-14T09:30:45.898+09:00Fantasy of Pampas Grasses in Old Capital Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I often come here to enjoy viewing the sky. This is the ancient capital site, Heijo Kyo</div>
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(平城京).</div>
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Imperial Audience Hall</div>
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This vast area has almost nothing except Imperial Audience Hall (大極殿) reconstructed in 2010 and Suzaku Gate (朱雀門) in 1998. Nothing or simpleness is beautiful. Here you can see the sky changing, especially around evening twilight. </div>
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Suzaku Gate</div>
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Once upon a time, Nara was the Capital of Japan, called Heijo-kyo (平城京). It had been the center of the country from 710 to 784, where the emperors had held sway over Japan. When the Capital was moved to Kyoto, all structures were dismantled, transferred to and reassembled in the new capital. So Heijo-kyo became abandoned soon, and started to be covered with paddy fields gradually. The old capital had been forgotten and slept under the paddy fields for 1200 years. </div>
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In 1852, Sadamasa Kitaura (北浦定政) found the old capital had been here. In 1952, the old capital site was designated as a Special National Historic Site (特別史跡) at last. In 1998, this site was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site (世界遺産). But too late. In 1914, Kinki Nippon Railway Co., Ltd. started to operate a line between Osaka and Nara. In the middle of the World Heritage Site the trains came to be running. </div>
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In autumn, the site becomes the paradise of Japanese pampas grasses. By showing so many different faces, they surprise me always.</div>
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They look like the manes of the running horses in wind.</div>
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Sometimes, they look like silver benevolent rain to grow plants.</div>
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Through a gentle veil of pampas grasses, the passengers on a train are seen.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Gold waves in the ocean.</span><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
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Pampas grasses have long been loved by Japanese people. Sei Shonagon (清少納言), a female writer and a court lady who wrote "The Pillow Book (枕草子)" at the beginning of the 11th century, mentioned;</div>
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秋の野の おしなべたるをかしさは 薄こそあれ</div>
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It means "Thanks to pampas grasses, the autumn fields are aesthetic and elegant." Sorry I cannot translate well.</div>
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Amazingly pampas grasses fit autumn dusk.<br />
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They are beckoning on the sunset.</div>
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The setting sun shows the last glow </div>
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and a train is running through pampas grass field in the ancient capital site.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Under a pale </span>crescent. <span style="text-align: left;"> It is a fantasy.</span></div>
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If I am lucky enough, I can encounter such a dramatic sunset.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.jp/"><span style="color: blue;">Skywatch Friday</span> </a>and see more!!</div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com44日本, 〒630-8577 奈良県奈良市二条町2丁目9−1 平城宮跡資料館34.692332 135.78964234.679276 135.76990099999998 34.705388 135.809383tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-10263289781346986452012-10-20T15:01:00.000+09:002012-10-30T23:29:01.989+09:00Cosmos in CosmosesAlready Nara is in the middle of deep autumn. Everyday, the air is getting transparent and crispy more and more. I am enjoying the most comfortable time of the year!<br />
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I visited Hannya-ji Temple (般若寺) in Nara. This temple is well-known as Cosmos Temple. The history of the temple is said to date back to the 7th century.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa8s6B47zWWyhrgZnMMxFRkJWk4wdxD32QhFJHgAz46Bryei3wAb8JDnTuim1EW-dGyczz0eobJKrDIVeMouFrS7Xg_aAjhqCQcWn7m4LKpnlUUE5jfMI6e5rqOi-i-uBGcq467dS2v75/s1600/blogIMG_5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa8s6B47zWWyhrgZnMMxFRkJWk4wdxD32QhFJHgAz46Bryei3wAb8JDnTuim1EW-dGyczz0eobJKrDIVeMouFrS7Xg_aAjhqCQcWn7m4LKpnlUUE5jfMI6e5rqOi-i-uBGcq467dS2v75/s640/blogIMG_5212.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The main hall of the temple looks as if it were floating </div>
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amid 150,000 cosmos flowers of 35 species.</div>
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Cosmoses are flowers native to Mexico. Around the end of the 18th century, the seeds of the flowers were first brought to Antonio Jose Cavanilles, the chief of Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid , Spain from Mexico. He named these flowers "Cosmos bipinnatus"<br />
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The word origin of "cosmos" comes from Greek word "Kosmos" which means order, harmony and the universe. Maybe, people have seen the harmonious and well-ordered beauty in the flowers also. Cosmetic or Cosmopolitan are derived from "cosmos".<br />
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For me cosmoses are difficult flowers to take photos.</div>
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Often they are very photogenic, but suddenly they turn photo-shy.<br />
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Among lovely flowers, the stone statues of Buddhist deities appear and greet us here and there.<br />
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How peaceful their archaic smiles are! Maybe they are whispering us<br />
about the Buddhist cosmos in the middle of the waves of cosmoses. </div>
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Hannya (般若) means the wisdom of Buddha to see the truth. The name of Hannya-ji Temple means this.</div>
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Interesting enough, Hannya has another meaning. It is said in Japan if a woman is so jealous, she transforms to a female demon with two horns, which is also called Hannya(般若). This is a mask of the female demon tormented by jealousy. The mask is used in<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noh"><span style="color: blue;">Noh</span></a> plays. As this type of masks were made by Priest Hannya first, so that they have been called Hannya.<br />
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My related blog<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2012/02/most-beautiful-jealousy.html">Most Beautiful Jealousy</a></span><br />
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Heart Sutra</div>
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Zizo Bodhisattva, a guardian deity of people especially children, wears a red bib where Heart Sutra (Hannya Sin Gyo, 般若心経) is written. Heart Sutra, composing of 276 Chinese characters, is one of the shortest sutras. But it shows the essence of Buddha's teachings. Listening to Buddhist priests chanting this sutra is soothing and brings me the peaceful state of mind.<br />
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The thirteen-storied stone pagoda in early sunset.<br />
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<strong>大空の 青きとばりに 寄りそひて</strong></div>
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<strong>人を思へる こすもすの花</strong></div>
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<strong>与謝野晶子</strong></div>
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Snuggling up to the blue shroud of the wide sky</div>
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Longing for someone</div>
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Cosmos flowerers</div>
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By Akiko Yosano (1878 - 1942)</div>
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She is one of the greatest poets. Her poems are characterized by a fiery passion and love. Surprisingly enough, she changed so neat and clean flowers into so passionate ones!</div>
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a dragonfly and cosmoses</div>
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参考) 季節の花事典、 麓 次郎 著、(株)八坂書房 発行所<br />
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<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"><span style="color: black;">Visit</span><span style="color: blue;">"Our World "</span><span style="color: black;">and read more!!</span></a></div>
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com39日本, 奈良県奈良市般若寺町22134.70008 135.836138634.698448 135.8336711 34.701712 135.8386061tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-1708953274644382902012-10-09T00:58:00.000+09:002013-01-10T20:11:59.164+09:00Nostalgia in Asuka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Inabuchi(稲淵) area in Asuka.</div>
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A beautiful countryside landscape evokes nostalgia. Golden ears of rice shine under a high autumn sky, and cluster amaryllises are in bloom at the edges of the paddy fields.</div>
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I visited Inabuchi area, Asuka in Nara Prefecture. Asuka, the ancient capital of Japan, is famous for terraced paddy fields and ancient burial mounds. This soothing scenery never disappoints me. I deeply breathe in fresh air and fully feel recharged.</div>
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I saw a lot of dragonflies. </div>
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The paths are lined with lovely scarecrows.</div>
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Orthodox scarecrow </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My favorite. Father and Son are enjoying Sake rice wine after working in the fields.</span></div>
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Inabuchi is well-known for fascinating terraced paddy fields, but also backed by a lot of charming bamboo groves. <span style="text-align: center;">The contrast of the bamboos in the sun and in the shade was beautiful. While I was taking photos, </span>one bamboo in the shadow was glistening for about ten seconds or so. <span style="text-align: center;">It was a mystery!</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span> I imagined Princess Kaguya in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaguya-hime">"The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter"</a> might have came down to the bamboo from the moon.</div>
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Since ancient times Japan has been called beautifully "Mizuho no Kuni (瑞穂の国), Land Blessed with Abundant Rice"where the people have been growing rice for more than 2000 years. Freshly boiled pearly rice is the best delicacy and the symbol of happiness. When I feel down, steaming boiled rice gives me a power to recover. Rice is the only one product whose self-sufficiency rate is 100% in Japan.</div>
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This area is blessed with rich sources of water.</div>
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It is hard to imagine why Cluster Amaryllis flowers are associated with ominous images. The flowers have a lot of different names in Japanese. According to Wikipedia, they are called, flowers of the dead, ghost flowers, hell flowers, flowers of abandoned children and so on. </div>
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But, also they are appreciated as celestial flowers. I agree with this 100%!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I am fascinated by this delicate beauty.</span></div>
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Asuka is also the cradle of Buddhism of Japan. In 538 or 552, Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan through King Song (聖明王) of Korea who sent Buddhist statues and sutras to the Emperor. Whether or not Buddhism should be accepted in Japan, pro-Buddhist party led by the Soga clan (蘇我氏) and anti-Buddhist party led by the Mononobe clan (物部氏) fought against each other. After 35 year struggles, the pro-Buddhist Soga clan won the war. This war is often said to have been the religious war, but also it is said that actually two powerful clans struggled for supremacy. In Japan religious wars have been rare. In 596, Soga no Umako (蘇我馬子), the supreme leader of the Soga clan, built Asuka-dera Temple, the first Buddhist temple in Japan.</div>
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This is called "Ishi-butai 石舞台" , which literally means "Stone Stage". This stone stage consists of about thirty granite rocks and weighs about 2300 tons. This Stone Stage is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako who was the most powerful man at that time and built Asuka-deraTemple, the first Buddhist temple in Japan.</div>
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Around Stone Stage, Japanese sliver grasses are shining in the sun and beckoning us.</div>
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The spikes of the grasses look like sparkling jewels.</div>
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my<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/10/nostalgic-autumn.html"><span style="color: black;"> related blog,</span> <span style="color: blue;">Nostalgic autumn.</span></a><br />
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com38日本, 奈良県高市郡明日香村稲渕34.4546608 135.823819134.4415678 135.8040781 34.4677538 135.84356010000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-32295633500418930132012-09-25T08:45:00.000+09:002012-10-18T09:41:14.230+09:00Autumn Flowers in Bloom!Every rain makes autumn deeper.<br />
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After rain, Kasuga Mountains are folded in mist and look like an ink-wash painting.</div>
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Not yet landscapes are colored with autumn foliage, but a lot of autumn flowers are blooming.<br />
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I visited <a href="http://narashikanko.or.jp/en/isan/index.html#s6"><span style="color: blue;">Gango-ji Temple, 元興寺</span></a> in Nara-machi.<br />
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Cluster amaryllis flowers and Jizo statues</div>
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I have seen the chief priest of this temple taking care of plants many times. Under summer sun, he was stubbing weed and watering flowers. Maybe, the seasonal flowers are the fruits of his affection and commitment to them.<br />
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Cluster amaryllis flowers are in bloom by stone pagodas and stone statues of Jizo Bodhisattva who is a guardian deity of people, particularly of children.<br />
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In Sanskurit, the flowers are called "Manjusaka" (Manjushage 曼珠沙華 in Japaneses) which means celestial flowers.<br />
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Although the bulbes of the flowers are toxic, how gorgeous but how serene the flowers are!! I am enchanted by their subtle elaborateness.<br />
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Bush clovers also are blooming in the temple.</div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/10/nostalgic-autumn.html"><span style="color: blue;">"Nostalgic Autumn"(my related blog).</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"> </span>photo was taken in September 2011 in Inabuch.<br />
Last year, I visited Inabuchi, Asuka, Nara Prefecture.<br />
How gorgeous the combination of the paddy fields and Cluster amaryllis flowers is!!.</div>
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Nara Park is peaceful as usual.<br />
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posing with deer antler hair bands</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/06/glory-and-tragedy.html"><b><span style="color: blue;">Glory and Tragedy</span></b></a>, </span>tells you the history of this temple with blooming Harushagiku flowers or coreopsis.<br />
<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2012/09/in-summer-nara-becometown-of-prayers.htm"><span style="color: blue;"><b>In summer, Nara become Town of Prayers</b></span></a> is about ""Obon(お盆)" and "Jizo-bon or Jizo-e " festival
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<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/2012/09/our-world-tuesday-week-57.html">Visit <b>"Our World"</b> and see more!</a>!</div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com37日本, 〒630-8385 奈良県奈良市中院町1134.677799 135.83134534.664741 135.811604 34.690857 135.851086tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-3896768234462439732012-09-17T16:04:00.002+09:002012-09-22T08:24:25.881+09:00Land Blessed with Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photo taken in October, 2011</div>
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In ancient times, Japan was beautifully called "Mizuho no Kuni"(Land Blessed with Abundant Rice).<br />
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In summer, green blades of rice wave in the breeze. In autumn, golden ears of rice bow and shine in the sun. This scenery enriches the Japanese soul.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Photo taken in October, 2011</span>
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The harvest has begun and new rice will be in circulation soon.<br />
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Across Japan, we see a sight where vast areas of blooming flowers appear in the middle of paddy fields. This is the result of rice paddy reduction policy practiced by the government to prevent the price of rice from taking a drop by oversupply of rice, and to protect the rice farmers. Being supported by the government, some farmers have stopped growing rice. Using these fallow rice fields, flowers are planted but not for sale.<br />
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At the ruins of Moto Yakushi-ji Temple built around the end of the 7th century,</div>
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purple water hyacinths are in full bloom. </div>
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The flowers were planted by the pupils of a local elementary school</div>
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People enjoy the massive beauty of flowers, walking through the fields and taking photos.<br />
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Whenever I see this kind of flower fields of <span style="text-align: center;">water</span><span style="text-align: center;"> hyacinths or cosmoses</span> , I have ambivalent feelings. <br />
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That the flowers pleasure the eye is better than that the fallow rice fields remain abandoned.<br />
But, many countries in the world are suffering severe shortage of food. At such a time, is it right thing to do to practice the rice paddy reduction policy?<br />
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The government has put the tariff of 778% on imported rice. Because the high-priced Japanese rice can't compete with cheep imported rice. There is talk of rice liberalization which will drive Japanese rice farmers out of business.
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Rice is more than staple food in Japan. It has been the soul food, being deeply connected to our daily life and associated with Japanese culture or Shinto which is indigenous religion of Japan. Without rice, Japan would have been a different country.
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The foundation stones of the temple building</div>
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In the early evening light, the wings of dragonflies shine in gold.</div>
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No people but me. The ruins are wrapped with shroud of darkness.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.jp/"><b><span style="color: blue;">Weekend Reflections</span></b></a> and see more!</div>
<br />snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-81393913219072797532012-09-10T18:04:00.000+09:002012-09-16T15:38:34.069+09:00In Summer, Nara becomeTown of Prayers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Every evening I enjoy comfortable temperature and a beautiful moon. In daytime, a coolness of Autumn is gradually overwhelming a lingering summer heat.<br />
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Summer is a colorful season when a various festivals, ceremonies or rituals are held all over Japan. I would like to introduce two ceremonies based on folk beliefs of Buddhism as my memory of summer in Nara.</div>
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One is "Obon(お盆)" and the other is "Jizo-bon or Jizo-e (地蔵盆 or 地蔵会)", both of them are held across the country.</div>
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"Obon (お盆) " is the 3-day period of the year from August 13th to 15th when the spirits of the deceased return to this world to spend three happy days with their families. The memorial services are held to dedicate to the spirits. Also "Obon" is a good chance for family gatherings or friend reunions. </div>
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On the first day and the last day, Bon fires are made to welcome the spirits and then to say Good-bye to them. I love this belief which gives me a quiet comfort. At least once a year the spirits of the beloved people will come back to see us from the other world. The poem or song<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_not_stand_at_my_grave_and_weep"><span style="color: blue;">"Do not stand at my grave and weep" 千の風になって"</span></a></span>, like "Obon" makes me feel soothing .</div>
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"Do not stand at my grave and weep" translated in Japanese</div>
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This is the "Ten Thousand Candle Ceremony, 万燈会" held for Obon on August 15th at</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://narashikanko.or.jp/en/isan/index.html#s2"><span style="color: blue;">Todai-ji Temple 東大寺</span></a>. </span>Actually ten thousand candles are lit around Great Buddha Hall.</div>
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The window is open two times a year. The illuminated face of Great Buddha </div>
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is welcoming us in a warm atmosphere. </div>
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smoke from an incense burner</div>
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On a lantern, a prayer of a worshiper is written.</div>
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a fierce face of one of four directional divine guardians to protect Buddha.</div>
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Amazing! The artists used the rings very effectively. Sorry, the photo is not clear.</div>
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Many kinds of charms are sold in Great Buddha Hall.</div>
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This is "Jizo Bon, or Jizo-e (地蔵盆、地蔵会)" held on August 23rd and 24th at<a href="http://narashikanko.or.jp/en/isan/index.html#s6"> <span style="color: blue;">Gango-ji Temple, 元興寺</span></a>. This ceremony is dedicated to Jizo Bodhisattva who is a guardian deity of people, particularly of children. </div>
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This lovely temple has a number of stone statues or tablets of Buddhist deities or pagodas. </div>
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Dim glows of candles are flickering and create the peaceful pure land of Jizo.</div>
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In the precincts of the temple, there are many temporary stalls for food or games.</div>
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This temple is well-known for blooming seasonal flowers.</div>
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Early summer Harushagiku or coreopsis are in full bloom.</div>
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Late summer bell flowers in bloom</div>
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There are five demons which live in this temple with Buddhist deities.</div>
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A crescent moon and crape myrtle flowers </div>
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my related blog <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/06/glory-and-tragedy.html">Glory and Tragedy</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/">Visit "Our World" and see more!!</a></b></span><br />
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I linked this blog to <a href="http://www.lorikart.com/2012/09/mandarin-orange-monday-9-orange-art-and.html"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Mandain Orange Monday</b></span></a>, Visit and see more!!</div>
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-2767917069635694502012-09-02T15:53:00.000+09:002012-09-06T17:16:38.863+09:00Let's BA・SA・RA ! !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year at the end of August, two-day Basara Dancing Festival is held in Nara. This year 42 groups joined. It is not a dancing contest. The participants keep dancing, dancing, dancing and dancing. Long summer in Nara is gone with the end of the festival.<br />
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Let's BASARA! Let's pop! 踊る・なら・そらっ!</div>
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According to a calender, autumn started yesterday, September 1st. During daytime it is still hot. But at night, a hint of autumn in the air can be detected here and there - cool breezes, chirping grasshoppers or crickets under a beautiful moon.</div>
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Tense moment before a performance. They are the first performers of the festival.<br />
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Basara is not a traditional festival with a long history. It started in 1999. I look back at the 8th ‐century Nara which was the capital and the center of the country. At that time Nara was the most modern and the most colorful international city in Japan. Imagine that people from different countries were walking streets in traditional national costumes which must have looked conspicuous and exotic. The performers in the characteristic dresses makes me think how Nara looked like in the 8th century !
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Prayers - They are from Sanriku, Tohoku. On March 11th last year, hideous triple disasters attacked Tohoku, earthquakes, Tsunami and leakage of radiation from nuclear power plants.</div>
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Drum beating is heart beating! When they stamp their feet, I feel tremors !<br />
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They are moving to a site for their last performance.</div>
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The burst of energy changes the ordinary to the extraordinary. It's Basara!
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He is a great flagman!</div>
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Streams of colors swirl up and soar in the summer sky.<br />
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A lot of children are enjoying to join the festival and won't forget these exciting memories. Nara is their sweet hometown.<br />
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Always there is a start, there is an end.
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<b>For your reference:</b> What is "BASARA"?<br />
Basara has several meanings.<br />
In the 14th century, there was special aesthetics to make themselves conspicuous by wearing glitzy dresses or doing high-profile behaviors trendsetting the hierarchy system, slighting to the authority of the ruling class. The special aesthetics were referred to as Basara.<br />
Basara is the name of one of twelve divine guardians to protect Buddha.<br />
Basara also means "Diamond" in Sanskrit.<br />
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<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"><b><span style="color: black;">Visit </span><span style="color: black;">"our world"</span> <span style="color: black;">and see more!!</span></b></a></div>
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my related blog</div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/12/he-travels-once-year.html"><span style="color: black;">He travels once a year.</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: black;">Hottest Day in Kyoto</span></a><br />
<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/07/milky-way-on-earth.html">Milky Way on Earth</a>snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-91792456598682848542012-08-23T12:29:00.000+09:002014-06-21T18:47:48.991+09:00What a Wonderful WorldI see trees of green, red roses too<br />
I see them bloom for me and you<br />
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world<br />
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Buds of lotus flowers are dozing, dreaming of tomorrow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="text-align: left;">"Krokodil Krokodil (わにくん)" by Peter Nickl and Binette Schroeder. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">How beautifully pure lotus buds are depicted! </span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="text-align: left;">This book was chosen as "The most beautiful book in the world" in 1977.</span></div>
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I see skies of blue and clouds of white</div>
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night<br />
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world<br />
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"Going through a thatch ring" ceremony for purification</div>
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The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky<br />
Are also on the face of people going by<br />
I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do<br />
They're really saying, I love you<br />
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Michael Jackson Dancing Tribute in Nara</div>
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I hear babies cry, I watch them grow<br />
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know<br />
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world<br />
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world<br />
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(<b>What A Wonderful World</b> by George David Weiss & G. Douglass)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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What A Wonderful World With David Attenborough, BBC</div>
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visit <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"><b><span style="color: blue;">"Our World"</span></b></a> and see more!!</div>
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-57065695672786356882012-08-12T13:15:00.000+09:002012-09-09T12:13:11.222+09:00Great Buddha, Great Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you see the Great Buddha of<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://narashikanko.or.jp/en/isan/index.html#s2"><span style="color: blue;">Todai-ji temple</span></a> 東大寺</span> in Nara, you will be overwhelmed by the magnitude. The great Buddha is 15 meters tall and the largest bronze Buddhist statue in the world. </div>
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His face is 5.3 meters long. He is the Cosmic Buddha, </div>
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representing the infinite universe.</div>
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"Ceremony of Cleaning the Great Buddha" is held every year on August 7th . The Great Buddha takes a bath once a year. This is a good chance to see in person how huge the Buddha is! </div>
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Before the cleaning ceremony, a special ritual is held to remove the soul of Great Buddha. So that stomping on his head, slapping his face to wipe off dust with dusters and mops won't be blasphemous. </div>
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About 150 priests, worshipers and volunteers clad in white are honored to clean the Great Buddha and collect at least 10 buckets of dust.</div>
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"A Voyage to Lilliput" in "Gulliver's Travels"?? </div>
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The history of the Great Buddha is the history of destruction and restoration. The most part of the pedestal is the original cast in 752. The torso dates back to 1580. And the head was newly cast in 1692. That's why his face is more black and shining compared with his body. There is the time difference of about 100 years between the face and the body.<br />
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His hand is more than 2.5 meters long.</div>
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This is a secret door to climb up to the top of the head. </div>
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The door is at the lower back. The inside of the Great Buddha is hollow </div>
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and the huge wooden frames are inserted to support the statue.</div>
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5 meter tall lotus flower</div>
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The great cleaning is finished. Now Great Buddha becomes more handsome and is happily smiling. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">They are going home.</span>
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Lotus flowers are symbolic and divine flowers in Buddhism. Event though lotus flowers grow in muddy ponds, the stalks rise high above the ponds and the flowers bloom purely.</div>
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Visit<b><span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.jp/"><span style="color: blue;">"Our World"</span></a></span></b> and see more!!</div>
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-54488783812985814592012-08-06T11:59:00.000+09:002012-08-06T22:40:06.520+09:00Wind Chime Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When wind chimes catch summer breezes, they make cool sounds all together. Here is Ofusa Kannon Temple in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture.<br />
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On this day, a blue sky was high, and a mercury in the thermometer got higher and higher exceeding 36 degree Celsius!!<br />
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You can see where the winds are passing.</div>
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To overcome a notorious summer of Japan, we have exercised our wisdom to the maximum and created many ways to produce that "cooler feeling" since olden days. To hang wind chimes is one of them. The wind chimes make winds visible and audible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRabesgceBp_463v1MG2LBojsrwwFRRosYySFG6QDP2M_ypb2ZigLYHmWGJYiJ_3fBCUmVXT7u2JNHFr-Xl2b5K7PQC3NF80dEJSe2dGz_SACo9hzbxiinMuCuM_fVcTLHEjzlRsjAfLtJ/s1600/blog285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRabesgceBp_463v1MG2LBojsrwwFRRosYySFG6QDP2M_ypb2ZigLYHmWGJYiJ_3fBCUmVXT7u2JNHFr-Xl2b5K7PQC3NF80dEJSe2dGz_SACo9hzbxiinMuCuM_fVcTLHEjzlRsjAfLtJ/s320/blog285.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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According to a legend, a young lady named Ofusa found Kannon, Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion, riding on a white turtle in a pond in 1650. She built a small hall to enshrine this Kannon by the pond. This is the origin of this temple and the reason why this temple was named Ofusa Kannon Temple.</div>
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I do not know when "Wind Chime Festival" started in the temple. Every summer in July and August, the temple precincts are decorated with 2500 wind chimes.<br />
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The bells swing and make crystal sounds in the wind. </div>
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Can you see and hear cool breezes?</div>
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Wind chime are derived from wind bells (風鐸 ふうたく) hanging from the eaves of temples in China. When Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 552, the wind bells were brought together.<br />
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The sounds made by swinging wind bells drive away evil. In Yakushi-ji Temple.</div>
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In ancient days, what were people afraid of the most in summer? It was to get sick of rotten food or water. Nowadays we do not need so much to worry about bad food or water during summer thanks to refrigerators, freezers, tap water and so on. But, still summer is the worst season when it comes to food poisoning.<br />
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Don't you think it is a good idea to decorate the temple with a number of wind chimes during midsummer to drive away diseases and also make people feel cool?<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Wind chimes please the eye and ear. </span><br />
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For me they look dancing.</div>
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The neighboring area is lined with traditional Japanese townhouses. </div>
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I love Japanese traditional houses made of wood, paper and earth.</div>
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How lovely and charming they are!! They remind me of Naramachi Town. </div>
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my related blog: <a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2010/10/enjoy-atmosphere-of-good-old-nara-1.html"><span style="color: blue;">Enjoy Good Old Nara! -Geisha District</span></a></div>
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Japanese bell-flowers in rain</div>
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<br />snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-68470833405371335802012-07-13T00:47:00.000+09:002012-07-15T15:19:58.002+09:00Paradise of Buddha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Kiko-ji temple, 喜光寺 which is famous for lotus flowers. In front of stone statues of Buddhist deities, lotus flowers burst into bloom and create the paradise of Buddha.</div>
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There is a small pond covered with water lilies behind the main hall. The water lilies are no less elegant or graceful than lotus flowers. </div>
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I was fascinated with this scene of a water lily and ripples. On water, small and quiet ripples were being made by tiny water insects. As soon as the ripples were born, they were gone. It was as if seeing our mortal lives reflected in the ripples. The combination of metallic blue ripples and the white flower was so beautiful that I stayed there and watched them for a long time..</div>
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While taking photos, I did not notice that a crayfish was clinging to</div>
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a stalk under water. Can you find it?</div>
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The water lily started to close before noon.</div>
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After noon, it closed.</div>
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The water lily from a different angle. It looked like a pair of wine glasses. </div>
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The history of Kiko-ji temple dates back to 721. It is said Great Buddha Hall of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Ddai-ji"><span style="color: blue;">Todai-ji temple</span></a> was modeled on the main hall of this temple.</div>
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My related blog,</div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/07/paradise-flower-come-out-of-2000-year.html"><span style="color: blue;">Paradise flowers come out of 2000-year sleep</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllwqDbrBb1Qwa7qzHWt22mc9ZV2Qw2zlZZ77Y9WfMkcVDZ2MkZOPvPLiiFnctNPcBeqeVwUf2GoAf1weWXoamMIXxzV0zIg55i6djBGYxkBoSx7vbAZoLxc-GR143INUsG1jxrEfus2XE/s1600/blogIMG_0398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllwqDbrBb1Qwa7qzHWt22mc9ZV2Qw2zlZZ77Y9WfMkcVDZ2MkZOPvPLiiFnctNPcBeqeVwUf2GoAf1weWXoamMIXxzV0zIg55i6djBGYxkBoSx7vbAZoLxc-GR143INUsG1jxrEfus2XE/s200/blogIMG_0398.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Nara Park under a midsummer sun
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Visit<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://weekendreflection.blogspot.jp/"><span style="color: blue;">"Weekend Reflections"</span></a></span> and see more!</div>
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<br /></div>snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-21436842776321921582012-06-26T02:02:00.000+09:002012-07-01T21:44:57.141+09:00Pilgrimage and Hydrangeas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The above photo was taken in Mimuroto-ji temple, <b>三室戸寺</b> in Kyoto more</div>
than two weeks ago. Now, more flowers must be blooming.
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What is the most nostalgic scenery in June for me? It is ・・・・・</div>
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Hydrangeas are in full bloom in gentle rain and a snail is restring on its leave. Now we are in the middle of one-month long rainy season. Gracious shower for flowers, plants and all beings.</div>
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I visited three temples with hydrangeas in bloom. I will take you to one of them.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hase-dera"><span style="color: blue;">Hase-dera Temple,</span></a> <b><a href="http://www.hasedera.or.jp/">長谷寺</a></b></span> in Nara is Kannon Temple. Kannon is the Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion. As Kannon resides in Mt. Fudaraku ( <b>補陀落</b>) in Japanese or Mt.Potalaka in Sanskrit, many Kannon temples are built on hillsides or mountainsides.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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The staircases appear one after another.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh05aKm6cWH2_4yo4mSR1hyafTzum6ffrOF9ictiLmuNXj8aMaz7rviiC8rKr1OxyOUbyaEi6VAOR5GmlpgfNgwadmYAF5s9c2gQSx4CnZjj56ox6Ombq3H46qjyvlP68Plj31V5Gkhsj/s1600/blogIMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh05aKm6cWH2_4yo4mSR1hyafTzum6ffrOF9ictiLmuNXj8aMaz7rviiC8rKr1OxyOUbyaEi6VAOR5GmlpgfNgwadmYAF5s9c2gQSx4CnZjj56ox6Ombq3H46qjyvlP68Plj31V5Gkhsj/s640/blogIMG_2636.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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More steps we climb up, closer we get to Kannon.</div>
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I love the tunnel with the lovely columns. I feel </div>
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Along the stone steps, hydrangeas welcome us quietly.</div>
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so many staircases・・・・・<br />
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33 is a symbolic number in Buddhism.<br />
Because, Kannon transforms himself into 33 different forms to save people. He chooses one specific form to each person who prays for his help. I was wondering whether it is negative or positive or neutral to change colors like hydrangeas as it associates with changing mind.<br />
But, when I think about 33 manifestations of Kannon, changing colors of the flowers seem to symbolize his benevolence. This temple is the 8th of the 33 Kannon pilgrimage temples in the western Japan. A pilgrim carries a notebook to collect 33 stamps in 33 temples. The notebook with 33 stamps will be put in a coffin as the passport to the heaven. Someday I will go on a pilgrimage to collect 33 stamps with my husband, following the flowers and being led by Kannon.<br />
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At last, I arrived at the main hall where Eleven-faced Kannon is enshrined. Does Mt. Potalaka, where Kannon resides, look like this?<br />
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The Kannon of Hase-dera Temple is very unique, because he has both virtues as Kannon who is the deity of mercy and compassion as well as Jizo who is the guardian deity of people, especially children and travelers.<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">This is a place for </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">sincere</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> prayers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWUg0H92k7rLT7ktkFLVJFMrtZOW2IRO8MMsLIsUqp4L7Oo3yt5RSwHLnI3WPtr4Kfi106pJYOvcHAv-JHczLoEeiddZwYsxv_SDH30Q11iNYu5uQMD8AlEP2czmw39NnK-ojxyDCNDGp/s1600/blogIMG_2789+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWUg0H92k7rLT7ktkFLVJFMrtZOW2IRO8MMsLIsUqp4L7Oo3yt5RSwHLnI3WPtr4Kfi106pJYOvcHAv-JHczLoEeiddZwYsxv_SDH30Q11iNYu5uQMD8AlEP2czmw39NnK-ojxyDCNDGp/s640/blogIMG_2789+2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Heart to heart talk with Kannon. He sees and listens to people in suffering with his heart.</div>
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A heavy bronze incense burner is supported by three demons. I remember Atlas who is holding the earth on his shoulders as punishment. For me, the burden seems to be not burden anymore for the demons here. Because the precincts are embraced with mercy and compassion of Kannon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">Dragon water basin</span>
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The pilgrimage to Kannon temples has been very popular since ancient time, and the temple is mentioned in<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_Genji"> "The Tale of Genji"</a>written by Murasaki Shikibu around 11th century and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pillow_Book">"The Pillow Book</a>" written by Sei Shonagon around 11th century.<br />
Nowadays especially among elderly people. Whenever I see them climbing up staircases with steady steps, I hope I will be healthy enough to climb up to a mountainside like them when I reach their age.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg8UUL7hJtjysZXHx5cLx0VqtEn_ZW5xb5uvplWFarr7A8phh3N4urEe60z2LhtIqgcgM_GpgwRABUqf3qhDhqGXjjma15mKihkk1KL_oM2HlzuHjQKciK7otJRKgZhv7BGdeWBknqbCn/s1600/blogIMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg8UUL7hJtjysZXHx5cLx0VqtEn_ZW5xb5uvplWFarr7A8phh3N4urEe60z2LhtIqgcgM_GpgwRABUqf3qhDhqGXjjma15mKihkk1KL_oM2HlzuHjQKciK7otJRKgZhv7BGdeWBknqbCn/s640/blogIMG_3024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whispering bamboo grove near the temple</div>
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My related blogs:<br />
<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/06/nostalgic-scenery-in-rainy-day.html"><span style="color: blue;"> Nostalgic Scenerry in Rainy Day</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/04/farewell-sakura.html"><span style="color: blue;">Farewel Sakura</span></a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">( Last year, When I visited "Matabe" cherry tree, for me the sakura tree looked like the one- thousand-handed Kannon Bodhisattva and people were pilgrims.)</span><br />
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For reference:
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This is the stamp of the 9th Kannon pilgrimage temple, South Octagonal Hall <b>南円堂</b> of Kofuku-ji Temple <b>興福寺</b> in Nara Park. They write a temple name in calligraphy and stamp a red seal on the notebook.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">White uniforms of pilgrims</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljALCw2fQRCrDaJCbjabvWtH0FfXyhoUXa4UAv0ZED7XD-qxLEoR6i6wk-Y7ReqDVIgfwrvc6XJ8J5rp0w0rqYMkgpLVeLgDnxmR2NkjrjzTGFpTTPswoYj0eiz_rwLThYlPLx92WX8Hi/s1600/blogIMG_4969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljALCw2fQRCrDaJCbjabvWtH0FfXyhoUXa4UAv0ZED7XD-qxLEoR6i6wk-Y7ReqDVIgfwrvc6XJ8J5rp0w0rqYMkgpLVeLgDnxmR2NkjrjzTGFpTTPswoYj0eiz_rwLThYlPLx92WX8Hi/s400/blogIMG_4969.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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South Octagonal Hall, <b>南円堂</b> of Kofuku-ji temple and pilgrimssnowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-665237694147568652012-06-15T14:08:00.000+09:002013-06-15T23:15:57.817+09:00We love tragic hero.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This is a hidden tourist attraction in Nara! My impression when I came here first time was " Oh, This is the loveliest scenery in the most boring place". Here is the rooftop of Nara Prefecture Office Building, the six storied modern building.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rtZe3vtufljXnk7oXlkzzZ3qs_Ba-FBEMj_pQ5VGTEavNa_fUPL9k398tbJvWJ_prJSYJgsLWj7q7lkO3LnySLO6kFTN1wCCkckwapa67PgFlqkZsRz3jOkeNugAH2ievc7BPBXC0bSt/s640/blogIMG_3565+2.jpg" />
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Here you enjoy is the 360 degree panoramic view of Nara City. </div>
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Whenever I stand here, I realize Nara is a basin surrounded with the lush mountains. Time seems to flow slowly and differently. In the olden days, Nara was called "Yamato".</div>
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I remember one tragic hero in a legend,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1500576705"> </a><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_Takeru"><span style="color: blue;">Prince Yamato Takeru</span></a>, </span><b>日本武尊</b> who lived around the 1st century.</div>
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His Last poem. </div>
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<strong>大和は 国のまほろば たたなづく 青垣 山ごもれる 大和しうるわし</strong></div>
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There is no place better than Yamato.</div>
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Surrounded by the mountains, </div>
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Ranging like verdurous hedges,</div>
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How beautiful Yamato is!</div>
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By Yamato Takeru</div>
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(Yamato is the ancient name of Nara and also Japan.)</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Story of "Yamato Takeru", which was written by </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umehara_Takeshi" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">Umehara Takeshi</span></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>梅原猛 </b>for Super Kabuki, </span><b style="text-align: left;">スーパー歌舞伎</b><span style="text-align: left;">,</span><span style="text-align: left;"> is following.</span><br />
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While trying to stop his twin elder brother <span class="midashi">rising in rebellion, Takeru kills accidentally his brother. </span><span class="midashi">Their father, Emperor, gets angry with Takeru and orders him to conquer the enemies in a remote area. As soon as he completes his mission, his father dispatches Takeru to other enemy lands. The father never forgives Takeru or welcomes him in his hometown, Yamato. Takeru loves his father, but the father seems to want Takeru to die. When he fights against the deity of Mt. Ibuki following the order of his father, Takeru seriously gets injured and ill. On the way back to Yamato, he becomes unable to move anymore and dies dreaming of Yamato.</span> The above poem is mentioned by dying Takeru. This story has a consolation. His soul transforms into a big white bird and flies away to Yamato. He can go back to a beautiful Yamato at last!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1-qvQ_jFB3IVzZoLXTLqq1EMLDqS09kiMza8FHN1G5FL4Iqew71TCa9ZNpmfMuLD5f3KYC973sykoeuSv6Bv8gPaZmeoH-_7v7dOGLoW8P427tebwRm3s6klYuWdnimYuWimUyTWk8zE/s640/IMG_3574+30c.jpg" />
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Did he dream of these mountains?</div>
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His sad story has been written by many writers. The Japanese sympathize with and love tragic heroes. Next month, July in Tokyo "Yamato Takeru" written by Umehara Takeshi<b> </b>will be performed in Super Kabuki. Since the premiere in 1986, this play has been performed more than 800 times. Super Kabuki is different from traditional classic<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuki"><span style="color: blue;">Kabuki</span></a> <b>歌舞伎 </b>which has a lot of customs or rules, and whose language is rather difficult. Ichikawa Ennosuke the third created Super Kabuki, <b>スーパー歌舞伎 </b>transcending the customs and rules, still being based on the essence of classic Kabuki. He put more entertainment-type elements, such as acrobatic actions or extravaganza stage settings, on Super Kabuki, and made language easier. Super Kabuki focuses on 3Ss, "Story, Speed and Spectacle" while keeping attractiveness which the classic Kabuki has. </div>
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New Ichikawa Ennosuke, who is The Forth, plays "Yamato Taketru".</div>
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Here Takeru's soul transforms into a big white bird and flies away to his hometown, Yamato.</div>
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This tragedy has touched people's heartstrings for a long time. The story about a deep conflict between a parent and a child, has eternal appeals in spite of nationality, culture, time and more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4RafyvABHPa9kbI-o1BL1YXUPSlQugoei22jOHOe7RgTLPdw2y8tvltFmAayE09xwRsDGZ1Nb-hY6R9k2wnUhpvhyphenhyphenq-Ki6r0gaMcYeTg0IaKjIDFBRPgGmEr_Q-YYv5ZRszcE-FhdMqM/s1600/blogIMG_8586c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4RafyvABHPa9kbI-o1BL1YXUPSlQugoei22jOHOe7RgTLPdw2y8tvltFmAayE09xwRsDGZ1Nb-hY6R9k2wnUhpvhyphenhyphenq-Ki6r0gaMcYeTg0IaKjIDFBRPgGmEr_Q-YYv5ZRszcE-FhdMqM/s640/blogIMG_8586c.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqeTundKr8WiGi5xEntuKy_qoFa5ogiX3Pt-2yyIX_GoeUC0rF9XYQbKplijFtm4q5R8FF0nsifr8pWCxMrllNAN2qtUfnWDlA-F7eIUSvWEaGOgq4jTCC3hyphenhyphenkXfSlbJsE1L0sB9ctMSv/s1600/blogIMG_4804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqeTundKr8WiGi5xEntuKy_qoFa5ogiX3Pt-2yyIX_GoeUC0rF9XYQbKplijFtm4q5R8FF0nsifr8pWCxMrllNAN2qtUfnWDlA-F7eIUSvWEaGOgq4jTCC3hyphenhyphenkXfSlbJsE1L0sB9ctMSv/s640/blogIMG_4804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-dmeUyv7rgSKKWJWqjqIuaFVKu8euOcvmB7_PxMhfhI7ydZcsDO1zUmCWmEp4yujabBS-b8gy1-18PNyVmUr8hRPMB0x59ditjxBw89lGeAuw9tyRhAytwjgIM_mZ2oKqg2EVS_dAxRk/s1600/blogIMG_4485new+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-dmeUyv7rgSKKWJWqjqIuaFVKu8euOcvmB7_PxMhfhI7ydZcsDO1zUmCWmEp4yujabBS-b8gy1-18PNyVmUr8hRPMB0x59ditjxBw89lGeAuw9tyRhAytwjgIM_mZ2oKqg2EVS_dAxRk/s640/blogIMG_4485new+2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Now let's enjoy a lovely scenery of Nara City from the rooftop. </div>
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The five storied pagoda of Kofuku-ji temple and a dramatic sky in the south . </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePUxiNZAb_0-F4kqxbvMdPn6cDGzfyha2vVnnur7OfhJsVQCjzBBAwn35jiggYJKf7hnFlf06fSEXAYG7FbFuiuNPZotwtWvq0Qenip298PlJyJKJ_u1OiQ1BnQEdEmtnNMzIqSutPqMh/s1600/blogIMG_4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePUxiNZAb_0-F4kqxbvMdPn6cDGzfyha2vVnnur7OfhJsVQCjzBBAwn35jiggYJKf7hnFlf06fSEXAYG7FbFuiuNPZotwtWvq0Qenip298PlJyJKJ_u1OiQ1BnQEdEmtnNMzIqSutPqMh/s640/blogIMG_4521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoaO7T-GAht5bnmwfzTlpE-CfQ-wZ3ioWFCF4FFs-RtwZU6z0VyDqUyQsXK5EwTK4cJwLmzgyyCblCuBz8dxpHpo5ss_A6D-SQeejA1CJLwTBaNO6E2qnh7-RaaiJX7DgLK_8OahJVnFc/s1600/blogIMG_8511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoaO7T-GAht5bnmwfzTlpE-CfQ-wZ3ioWFCF4FFs-RtwZU6z0VyDqUyQsXK5EwTK4cJwLmzgyyCblCuBz8dxpHpo5ss_A6D-SQeejA1CJLwTBaNO6E2qnh7-RaaiJX7DgLK_8OahJVnFc/s400/blogIMG_8511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the east, you see the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji temple. </div>
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The clouds are casting shadows and slowly passing over the mountains.</div>
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People in the 8th century, when Nara was the capital of Japan,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas5mwU3LGJSKI2QywMrqW2j3T5HkDUkgU5Z50CJEOmqxZVpVNaphPX0ek170yBUxcZgojCIMUxvty0NOr_0-X22eO9g7hTqYnPDw1M5ihLlCghkrieu8Nph9MDgSZi1_h0CCEvrFdyew5/s1600/blogIMG_7811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas5mwU3LGJSKI2QywMrqW2j3T5HkDUkgU5Z50CJEOmqxZVpVNaphPX0ek170yBUxcZgojCIMUxvty0NOr_0-X22eO9g7hTqYnPDw1M5ihLlCghkrieu8Nph9MDgSZi1_h0CCEvrFdyew5/s640/blogIMG_7811.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Anybody can use a restaurant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnVFVk_YgxBNULc7D2qs13mwUYuJBfOVy2jtGtBhRMC_5UUDVHQ3vqX4f0_xuWCJjsrafEdf7crnRtWzH4L5o9d2xw0S4aQ4E_KIpFxaAwLnbrnindRpIeltVKslfvg0Sbg8ePwU3fpOi/s1600/blogIMG_4830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnVFVk_YgxBNULc7D2qs13mwUYuJBfOVy2jtGtBhRMC_5UUDVHQ3vqX4f0_xuWCJjsrafEdf7crnRtWzH4L5o9d2xw0S4aQ4E_KIpFxaAwLnbrnindRpIeltVKslfvg0Sbg8ePwU3fpOi/s640/blogIMG_4830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Again go back to the rooftop where the sun is setting in on Mt.Ikoma separating Nara and Osaka.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQqLbgihexjfdTH2tKIrmfe-SPrevOStHXY-3iaqKnaR4fZybA1n3p-6QENo8iTfcso3hOC2EugZs-nk-nJhKwm3jGjS9YHl2AiKRYKhghWoqe209fQ9rOiFLOrMtlodvhzNY-5KWTnM3/s1600/blogIMG_4838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQqLbgihexjfdTH2tKIrmfe-SPrevOStHXY-3iaqKnaR4fZybA1n3p-6QENo8iTfcso3hOC2EugZs-nk-nJhKwm3jGjS9YHl2AiKRYKhghWoqe209fQ9rOiFLOrMtlodvhzNY-5KWTnM3/s640/blogIMG_4838.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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At the entrance, looking from the inside to the outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQXeBtL3A6UlUSyXXtwlqdLs9p7ltvhAo1VhxYUNd4exkPgFJZfMtpzr9L_Eowxc_SAFyZm4icHaQNS8XdoChVqbUXaspWNEVdX8faKgcnUdvH_Zcedd_qiNySR4wqsDuFfjOPkk1o7OO/s1600/blogIMG_7897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQXeBtL3A6UlUSyXXtwlqdLs9p7ltvhAo1VhxYUNd4exkPgFJZfMtpzr9L_Eowxc_SAFyZm4icHaQNS8XdoChVqbUXaspWNEVdX8faKgcnUdvH_Zcedd_qiNySR4wqsDuFfjOPkk1o7OO/s400/blogIMG_7897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Nara Prefecture Office Building<br />
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snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-1592959560882048092012-05-28T18:55:00.000+09:002012-09-09T12:25:42.201+09:00In every wood in every spring there is a different green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
May is the best season of year when we can enjoy the numerous hues of burning green. </div>
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One day I walked a nature trail to Mt. Wakakusa through the Kasuga Primeval Forest of Mt. Kasuga in Nara.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasuga-taisha"><span style="color: blue;"> Kasuga Grand Shrine</span></a> is at the foot of Mt.Kasuga.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WZj2l80zSLr8aoywZBLhbIAVLUOfM5tbovPW_Klj7K6GDJUYO6NDpVxAwzF_yM-oqVouM30kQzlrikY9Pg3Kcc2Nnwe83w327uK56P6eOGapDkBSQyz8HwHZrEamQ88qpK603xAkztdJ/s1600/blogIMG_8663+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WZj2l80zSLr8aoywZBLhbIAVLUOfM5tbovPW_Klj7K6GDJUYO6NDpVxAwzF_yM-oqVouM30kQzlrikY9Pg3Kcc2Nnwe83w327uK56P6eOGapDkBSQyz8HwHZrEamQ88qpK603xAkztdJ/s640/blogIMG_8663+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a cozy tea room in an old Japanese style, surrounded with fresh maples.</div>
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Here is the start point of the nature trail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtglt3WGe-lTADIFUiaaVXOA-jToeINjAd5YGTw_fRZ_-j_AJ75Nybfet8eHiiWaVtyLwf69uOjWzHULFfppKDfKukFQyzZGnt1etH7CG2xB08-k9wyvHvgMj_Eyye8lcLaQ_1lmoJr6T/s1600/blogIMG_9151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtglt3WGe-lTADIFUiaaVXOA-jToeINjAd5YGTw_fRZ_-j_AJ75Nybfet8eHiiWaVtyLwf69uOjWzHULFfppKDfKukFQyzZGnt1etH7CG2xB08-k9wyvHvgMj_Eyye8lcLaQ_1lmoJr6T/s400/blogIMG_9151.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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On its thatched roof, baby maples are growing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPtidVDb0A0Ge9JjmN4HKesnLbLgt2iSg2XQ9LczadP68kvjnZ0mVe7c0Eh6ZWsm53DzJgciQNaUNDIhsHKQHhoH-dhc5Ll_FlzEhek6XG46obxWAbBp0-94jOWzeLEhH2Y-K3aYX39RL/s1600/blogIMG_8669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPtidVDb0A0Ge9JjmN4HKesnLbLgt2iSg2XQ9LczadP68kvjnZ0mVe7c0Eh6ZWsm53DzJgciQNaUNDIhsHKQHhoH-dhc5Ll_FlzEhek6XG46obxWAbBp0-94jOWzeLEhH2Y-K3aYX39RL/s640/blogIMG_8669.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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The extensive forest in Mt.Kasuga is considered sacred, so no one is allowed to cut down the trees or hunt animals. Now this primeval forest nurtures many kinds of plants, animals and insects as a sanctuary for the living beings. The forest was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.<br />
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In every wood in every spring there is a different green.</div>
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The sunlight softly slants through the overlapping leaves. The entire forest looks like a natural cathedral with shimmering emerald stained glasses and graceful canopies. When a breeze blows over the green canopies, flickering sunlight through the leaves quietly falls on me. I feel as if I were in the bottom of the sea and looking up at the surface of water. What a pleasant and soothing moment it is!<br />
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This is the top of Mt. Wakakusa, Mt. Young Grass, where "Grass Burning Festival" is held in January every year. <br />
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In every wood in every spring there is a different green.</div>
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When I came back to the start, the charming cafe was closed already.</div>
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I got to know this words "In every wood in every spring there is a different green."</div>
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("I sit and Think" by J.R.R.Tolkien, the anthor of "The Lord of the Rings".) through <span style="color: black;">Professor Sheffner <span style="color: blue;">(</span><a href="http://www.sheffnersweb.net/blogs/accuratemaps/"><span style="color: blue;">his blog</span></a>)</span>. Also last year he left the similar comment on my blog <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_406018901"><span style="color: blue;">"Everything is Bathed in Green Breeze, Isui-en Garden"</span></a>. "In every tree, in every wood, there is a different green" (Bilbo Baggins in "Lord of the Rings"). </div>
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I have been deeply inspired by the words of Tolkien. For me, his words seem to depict the essence of life in spring green and its mysterious energy. This spring, I visited a several places to find out the green mentioned by Tolkien. It was somthing like a quest or pilgimiage with no religious meanings. But, I felt it was enough to visit even only Mt. Kasuga and its forest. Every place had its own unique shades of green. </div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-61469693108290773012012-05-20T14:38:00.000+09:002012-11-21T11:54:07.484+09:00Hidden Temple Bathed in Radiant GreenI thought "This is a hidden temple in a hidden place".<br />
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It takes only five minutes' walk to the temple from a tiny local station </div>
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which is at the foot of Mt. Hiei, the holy mountain in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto">Kyoto</a>. </div>
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Here is already a different world lapped with jade-like radiant green of maple trees!</div>
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Crossing a lovely wooden bridge, I feel as if the temple</div>
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were cut away from the ordinary world.</div>
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going and going・・・・</div>
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Soon, the mountain gate of the temple appears. It has a beautiful name, <strong>瑠璃光院</strong>, Lapis Lazuli Light Temple. Healing Buddha resides in the Eastern Pure Land which is wrapped in glowing Lapis Lazuli Light.<br />
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Mountain Alley Garden leading to the other gate</div>
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I feel warm hospitality of the temple, because at each viewing spot, Japanese style cushions are ready for the visitors. All you see are the waves of maple leaves whirling in numerous shades of green. All you hear are bush warblers and Mori-aogaeru in Japanese, which are small tree frogs, singing in quiet chorus. <br />
This is the second floor where you see green reflections here and there.<br />
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This is " Lapis Lazuli Garden". It is said that Pure Lapis Lazuli Land of Healing Buddha will appear in the garden when some particular weather conditions coincide. One temple staff member said to me," When proper elements coincide after sudden rainfall in the sunshine, Healing Buddha's Pure Land will appear." The name of the temple is based on this " Lapis Lazuli Garden". <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFl0BvgpCANyqWXQgds0CfvNK6OK6Kpf-Y5Uq1pVy_85tU6wbqum7pbB2oZuhoaGg1Vg-IQduBICulDZkhx6FBr6kdhLDsOoAHK8BDCufF6SQrVb9g7mIo-cjtjNavdNsgrMTsNQzODn1/s1600/blog356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFl0BvgpCANyqWXQgds0CfvNK6OK6Kpf-Y5Uq1pVy_85tU6wbqum7pbB2oZuhoaGg1Vg-IQduBICulDZkhx6FBr6kdhLDsOoAHK8BDCufF6SQrVb9g7mIo-cjtjNavdNsgrMTsNQzODn1/s640/blog356.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is "Lapis Lazuli ".</div>
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This is "Crouching Dragon Garden".<br />
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a tea room</div>
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The history of the temple is rather short compared with other temples in Kyoto. At the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912), the villa was built at this site by Sanetomi Sanjo who was a high-ranked court noble and one of the most important figures in the Meiji Government. The villa was renovated and turned into the temple.<br />
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The main characteristics of the temple are dozens of different kinds of maples trees, carpets of moss and hundreds of Japanese Andromeda. (In spring and autum, this temple is open to public.)<br />
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In May, standing under the shadows of maples trees, I bathe in flickering light and feel as if I were dyed in luminous green.</div>
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You might like</div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/05/radiant-green.html"><span style="color: blue;">"Radiant Green"</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">"</span><a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/05/everythin-is-bathed-in-green-breeze.html"><span style="color: blue;">Everything is Bathed in Green Breeze, Isui-en Garden"</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/05/everything-is-melted-in-green-breeze.html"><span style="color: blue;">"Everything is Melted in Green Breeze"</span></a></div>
snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-52984688911748443182012-05-13T16:03:00.000+09:002012-05-20T13:33:55.706+09:00Lady PurpleWisteria flowers are symbolic blooms in Nara. Usually, in early May no matter where you go in Nara Park, you are welcomed by the purple clusters shining in a balmy sunlight.<br />
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This year seemed not to be a good year for wisterias. Nara Park was supposed to become the paradise of wisterias. But, the clusters were shorter and the flowers were less than usual. What happened to them? Last year they did splendid jobs and pleased the eye of people. I guess the wisterias were too tired to bloom in full power and Spring Goddess decided to give them a rest.<br />
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Why are wisterias here and there in the park?<br />
In the 8th century when Nara became the new capital of Japan, the Fujiwaras were the most powerful and rich clan. They expanded their political power through marriage with the Imperial family. The same old story here! Fujiwara means "Wisteria Field". Wisterias were the Fujiwaras' favorite flowers.<br />
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Kasuga Grand Shrine</div>
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<a href="http://narashikanko.jp/en/isan/index.html#s4"><span style="color: blue;">Kasuga Grand Shrine</span></a> was founded by the Fujiwaras as their family shrine as well as the guardian deity for the new capital in the 8the century. The shrine is famous for a seven hundred year old wisteria which is called "Sand-Sweeping Wisteria (砂摺りの藤)" as the clusters grow long and look as touching the ground almost. The longest cluster was measured 1.65 meters in length last year. </div>
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The Fujiwaras loved wisterias, so the hanging wisterias became the crest of the Fujiwaras as well as Kasuga Grand Shrine. <br />
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This is one of two guardian lions in front of the second Torii gate. </div>
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The crest of the Fujiwaras is carved on the pedestal.</div>
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The shrine maidens wear a crown of wisteria flowers. </div>
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This is "Rice Planting Ceremony" held every year in March in the shrine.</div>
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I have ambivalent feelings toward wisterias. The hanging flowers are graceful. The colors of wisterias, various shades of purple, are so noble. But under the flowers there are vines coiling and twining other trees. And they are climbing up and blooming on the top.<br />
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This is my blog about wild wisterias.</div>
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<a href="http://narastoryteller.blogspot.jp/2011/05/paradise-of-wisteria.html"><span style="color: blue;">"Paradise of Wisteria"</span></a></div>
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I love wild wisterias more than cultivated ones, because I can see the nature of the flowers in the wild wistreerias better. This year, the wild wisteria bore less and less flowers. So, no photos of them.</div>
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For me snake-like vines of wisterias look like the legacy<br />
of the power struggles fought in the Imperial court in the 8th century.</div>
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Purple has been a noble and mysterious color since ancient times. <br />
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<strong>紫草(むらさき)の にほへる妹を 憎くあらば 人妻ゆゑに われ恋ひめやも</strong><br />
<strong>大海人皇子</strong><br />
Oh, beautiful you, like a purple grass! <br />
How I can give up my love towards you <br />
even though you are other man's wife! <br />
(mentioned by Prince Oama in the 7th century)<br />
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What a passionate love letter it is! Though there is another interpretation, I'd like to take this poem as the outpouring of his emotion. According to one theory, in those days purple was so loved that the color was synonymous with purple. The flowers of purple grasses were mentioned a several times in an ancient anthology of poems which has been loved for over 1200 years by people in Japan. It is <strong>万葉集</strong> - Anthology of Ten Thousand Leaves. <br />
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The flowers of purple grasses are lily white. The dried roots of the grasses were used to dye clothes in deep purple and the grass symbolized a lover. I wonder what color it is. They say natural purple is much deeper than synthetic purple.</div>
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Flikering like puple stained glasses. </div>
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In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_Genji"><span style="color: blue;">"The Tale of Genji"</span></a> (<strong>源氏物語</strong>) written by Murasaki Shikibu around the beginning of the 11th century, two ladies take important roles in the story. One is<strong> 藤壷</strong>, Lady Fuji-tsubo and another one is his wife, <strong>紫の上</strong>, Murasaki-no-ue. Fuji means wisteria flowers and Murasaki is purple in English. Two women are depicted as his ideal female figures. Shining Genji devotes his eternal love to them. The name of the author also has the color purple.<br />
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"The Potted Wisteria Exhibition"held in May in Nara.</div>
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</div>snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3501712311386792025.post-18125170290701426722012-05-02T23:09:00.002+09:002012-05-21T18:59:54.872+09:00Deity of Ancient Refrigerator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wisteria flowers started to bloom in Nara.</div>
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We can get ice any time if we only open a refrigerator or go to a supermarket. Ice is not special nor expensive. But in the 8th century, only noble people could enjoy eating ice during summer.<br />
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This is a very familiar sign for us representing " shaved ice with syrup".</div>
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When it gets hot, you can see this sign here and there.</div>
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A feature of summer! (<strong>氷</strong> is a Chinese character which means ice.)</div>
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(image taken from google)</div>
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In the ancient times, ice or snow were preserved in <strong>氷室</strong> Himuro within winter. They were dug out and immediately carried to the Imperial Palace or residences of the noble people in summer . </div>
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Himuro means "Ice Chamber" and would serve as an ancient refrigerator. It is said the ice chambers were 3 merer-deep roofed pits where ice was stored, being wrapped and covered with straws. There were the ice chambers around present Nara Park and surrounding areas.</div>
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Every year on May 1st, "Offering Ice Ceremony" is held in Himuro Shinto Shrine(<strong>氷室神社</strong>) in Nara. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of ice. Many representatives engaged in the related business of ice, such as ice or refrigerator making companies, attend at the ceremony. They pray to the deity for prosperous business and show deep gratitude.<br />
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A pair of ice statues in the shape of a dragon are offered to the deity, </div>
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because 2012 is the year of the Dragon.</div>
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But until last year, a pair of ice pillars with carps and sea breams had been offered. </div>
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Don't you think fish look like swimming in water? To make these ice cubes needs a lot of <br />
craftsmanship. I'm afraid that this year there might be not an experienced craftsman. </div>
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I suppose this type of skill is disappearing slowly. </div>
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After the the ceremony, the ancient court dances and music based on Asian culture are offered to the deity. In olden days a lot of the newest information, objects, techniques, arts, cultures, medicines, Buddhism and so on were brought to Japan through Silk Road. Nara is said to have been the terminal of Silk Road.</div>
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At night, the approach to the main hall is lit with the ice candles.</div>
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How did the noble people enjoy ice in the 8th century? This thought fires my imagination. Did the emperors drink Sake on the rocks or taste shaved ice ?<br />
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In <strong>枕草子</strong> or "The Pillow Book" written by Seisho-nagon in the 11th century, the forerunner of present shaved ice was introduced.<br />
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<strong>あてなるもの、 削り氷にあまづら入れて新しき鋺に入れたる。</strong><br />
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What is elegant. Shaved ice in a new metal bowl with the sap from sweet vines. <br />
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Himuro Shrine is also famous for the weeping cherry trees which are the first Sakura <br />
to bloom early April in Nara.</div>
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In a water basin of the precincts of Himuro Shrine, the last petals of Sakura are floating.<br />
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Wisteria flowers are smelling gracefully in Nara Park.<br />
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Some of them are ready to bloom .<br />
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<span style="color: red;">For your reference</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I decided to add this because my explanation about the pair of the ice pillars is not enough and might cause some misunderstandings judging from the comments to this blog. I am very sorry. Only dead fish are used. It requires a lot of craftsmanship to give the fish lifelike movements in ice. But how? I guess it must be the craftsman secret. </span></div>
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Below photos were taken just before <span style="color: blue;">the biggest festival in Nara <strong>(おん祭り)</strong></span> held by Kasuga Grand Shrine. The Shinto priests are serving dinner to the deity, Young Prince who is the main character in the festival.</div>
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<img border="0" height="213" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qjvj_ASaqEOHFV2423TVWyLZ7nnKAYm4Ys_D_n_ZqQQshlEmGo9C5EZd83-vyekhPlciUlkcN56a4A58BBjQLqTkqAUWvCKDg-7kO9PQ0SZa_oAOLVuHPjdtJ0ftw_y1whCv3mU6Jb-w/s320/blogDPP_0063.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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He eats sea bream.<br />
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He eats fruits and rice cakes.</div>
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Shinto( indigenous faith in Japan) deities are much like the gods of Greece and Rome. In many ways they act and feel as human beings do. We love delicious sliced raw fish, roasted fish and more. Fish are usually used as offerings to Shinto deities. If you have any comments or questions, I am glad to answer. </div>snowwhitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04224433823476591538noreply@blogger.com33