Indian Summer in Japan
I came back to Japan on September 10th. It has been a wonderful transition between summer and Fall here, with the calls of the cicadas merging into cricket sounds merging into typhoon winds and showers. I was able to give a Reiki Master course at the foot of Mount Fuji as it was being dusted with snow. Two Americans came over to be in the training, a first for TIJ. I hope that more of you will want to take classes here in the future. We visited many temples and shrines. The most fun was a temple in Gotukuji, which has a shrine and pagoda dedicated to cats! Since I miss my three cats it was poignant to see thousands of "lucky cats" on display accompanied by prayers and gifts.
We also were able to travel to Hakone, on another side of Fuji where there are many, many hot springs called onsens, and ryokans, traditional Japanese Inns. The one we stayed at dates back to the 19th century. Access to that whole area was restricted to the emperor, his family, and entourage for hundreds of years. Three nights ago my friend Koito took me to my first Noh play... very formal, very Zen. It was performed outside at a university, at night, lit by firelight, with bats and insects flying and moon rising... I felt so privileged to be plunged back into 15th century Japan.
Two nights ago we went to a party held for my good friends Susan Osborn and her husband David, at a center that honors traditional Japanese artists and crafts persons. Many musicians and artists were there, surrounded by hand made paper, weaving, paintings, and music. I made part of my living as a crafts person in the 1970s, so it was heartwarming and familiar. I will be returning to Seattle from Japan the week of November 9th. I am very happy to be able to come back to friends and family and colleagues in Seattle.
Blessings,
Jack
