Project “X” Tours Japan Day by Day: DAY 7

 

 

15 MAY

 

Sunrise at Mount Koya. Attend Buddhist service and breakfast at the temple. Then, on to visit temples at the old Japanese capital city of Nara, including Tachibana Temple where Prince Shotoku was said to be born in a manger like Jesus, and Todai-ji Temple. After lunch, continue on to visit Heijo-kyo or the “citadel of peace.” Dinner and overnight at Hotel Sun Route Nara.

 

SUNRISE SERVICE

“We are up at 3:30 AM for departure by bus from the temple to a spot on Mt. Koya for a Sunday Divine Sunrise Service. Gene, Sean, Yuki, and I wear collars and vestments.

“Yuki and his team have found a select site, a construction yard on the side of Mt. Koya facing the eastern horizon. It is actually quite appropriate, as it brings to mind our construction yard at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary back home.

“At the site we set up a table for Gene, Sean, and Yuki to officiate. I set up just behind them on a large, flat, wooden table top — sitting on a plank — and playing the small piano keyboard.

“We have a slightly altered Divine Service, including prayers by Yuki in Japanese, and the singing of ‘Grant Life Unto Me’ in Nihon by our Japanese Community members.

“Shortly after 5:00 AM the sun makes its way up through the trees on the horizon.

 

“It is a soft and comforting sun, quite special.

“We then intone the “AOUMENIMs” and set the disk in motion.

“After the concluding prayers I play ‘Meditation II,’ and we remove ourselves to the side for unvesting. We quickly disassemble the set-up for return to the temple.

“At 6:30 AM we attend a half-hour Buddhist service in the temple.”

—Journal entry by Gary Buchanan

 

 

 

NARA AND TACHIBANA TEMPLE

In the prefecture of Nara, covered by mountains and forests, the group visits Asuka National Historic Park. Here there are located numerous ancient temples of the Nara Period of Japan (710-794), the time when the royal court of Nara established relations with Sui and then Tang China.

Even today strict rules govern construction in this historic town.

For a photo gallery of the ancient temples of Asuka National Historic Park, visit the official web site.

For information on Nara prefecture and maps of its location, read this article on Nara Prefecture in Wikipedia. 

 

The entire city of Nara is a protected preserve for deer. Deer are everywhere, roaming the streets, filling the parks, and children and tourists are everywhere petting and feeding them.

 

Among the many temples located in this area is Tachibana Temple, where Prince Shotoku (574-622 CE) was said to have been born in a manger like Jesus; one of seven major temples built by Shotoku.

 

 

 

HEIJO-KYO

 

 

“Heijo-Kyo, the ‘Citadel of Peace,’ is amazingly BIG! It is the largest wooden building in the world — with tens of thousands of visitors daily. The largest statue of Buddha in the world is inside.”

—Journal entry by Gary Buchanan

 

 

 

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