Day #10 Eiheiji

With each day of this travel, the bags under my eyes are getting bigger and the wrinkles more etched. Our schedule is pretty darn packed.

At one time I wondered if it would be difficult to take two women in and near 80 on such a grueling trip. My mother is familiar with our trips now so that wasn't a problem....well...sort of.

My aunt usually goes on comfortable tours so I was worried that this could be difficult for her. I didn't have to worry. She is a real trouper! She has also been EXTREMELY helpful during this trip in helping mom cope with her painful legs and hatred of cold weather. I should tell you that my aunt smiles and laughs ALL the time. Her unflagging energy and enthusiasm is incredible. The only time she does not like to smile is for photos so the photos we are taking are deceptive.



Our breakfast at the Kanazawa Toyoko Inn was substantial and delicious. We left well nourished at 8:00 for the Kanazawa train station.

We sent our luggage on ahead by Japan's takkyubin service. I wish we had this in the states. It's very reasonable and efficient... so far.

We caught a train to Fukui and transferred to a bus bound for Eiheiji which is one of the two main headquarters of the Zen religion in Japan.

However, before we got on the bus we used the toilet. I have to tell you I'm getting quite used to the squat method.

I really think it's neat that you can choose the strength of your flush. Large or small depending on... well... you know...

Before we boarded the bus Art studied the Eiheiji map with the sisters.

When we got off the bus we were impressed with the beauty, peacefulness and ancient trees all around us. It was also very cold.

We have a photo of my grandfather who was a Zen priest standing at almost this same spot when he was a young man. I thought it would be fun for the sisters to stand where their father once stood.

Eiheiji Temple only allows people to stay over who have a connection to the Zen religion. I had to write a letter to explain our affiliation.
We were surprised to find only one single woman and a small family as the other guests.
Our rooms were spacious and unadorned.
We met our two guides who were priests-in-training. Their names were Taishin and Yuko. Their kindness and understanding in caring for us touched us deeply. They went out of their way to make Mom's stay comfortable for her.
We were given a tour of the many buildings in the area.
These are the guardians of the gate.

I believe this was the "heart of the Buddha." The buildings are situated to represent the head, heart, hands, body of the Buddha.

Everything exuded peace. However, it was also cold and the priests only had sandals, no socks. They also did not have very warm clothes. There are no photos of the priests in training because it was forbidden.

The zen religion was started by Dogen Zenji.
The stairs were problematic for mom but the newer part of the temple had an elevator. Our guides also went out of their way to wheel mom everywhere so she wouldn't miss out on anything.

We did take a tremendous amount of photos. I'm afraid I can't get into the teachings of the zen religion because it's 11:00 at night and my brain is so exhausted. I need to get to sleep.

This was near the kitchen. It's a food masher. It's believed that if a child rubs it, he will grow strong and tall. A woman can become a great cook. My aunt didn't need to rub it since she is already fabulous but she wanted to learn more.

I asked our guides if there were any cherry trees since we had seen so few in full bloom. They said that Dogen Zenji loved plum trees so that's what is planted here.
Dinner was served on these low tables. Doggone it! I forgot what it was called. The priests themselves don't get to eat what we got.
Mom and auntie said they were not allowed to talk during dinner when they were growing up and they said a chant-prayer before eating. Here they are with their hands in gassho (prayer position).

There is no meat in a Buddhist meal. I did not miss it.

My aunt and I took advantage of the hot ofuro (deep bath). Art took this photo. It never occurred to me to bring a camera to the bath.
Our guides told us there are three places we must not talk; the bath, the toilet and meditation area. Toilet? Are there people who talk in the toilet?
Mom thought she was going to get out of doing the meditation because of her knees but nope! Our priests brought a chair for her. She did great. We were given careful instructions on how to do zazen (meditation). We did it for 20 minutes. At first I felt a little claustrophobic in the meditation room, facing the wall and looking down at about a 45 degree angle in the lotus position. The priest walked around making sure that we weren't falling asleep after the hot bath and wonderful food.

Lights out at 9:00. We were told zazen the following morning would be at 4:10. Yikes!