Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Interesting Kyoto temple

Went to Kiyomizu Temple. There are historic Buddha relics there. Perched on the side of a hill, amongst magnificent scenery. Apart from navigating up the hill and moving through lots of mid week tourists, another adventure awaits. As best I can work it out, it's a visit to the 'belly of the Buddha'. You take your shoes off and head down a steep set of stairs with just a railing of sorts on the left. It becomes totally dark as you go down and the stairs turn left and right and go up and down. The hand rail becomes large beads that swing, still no light, you can here other people but not touch them. You dare not drop anything. After a few minutes walking, you reach a large, smooth round rock with just a hint of what might be starlight above it. You are supposed to make a wish and touch it before moving on. Probably another another minute of navigating stairs in the dark following the beaded hand rail and you come out. I won't say it was a spiritual experience but strangely calming. I enjoyed the visit here. You can see the modern skyline of Kyoto, but you could be a thousand miles and several hundred years away if you don't look at it.

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