En-lightening the Mind: Zazen
When I entered the large, dimly-lit room of NanzenjiiμTjtemple,
the distinct scent of incense lingered in the still air and a peaceful
silence enveloped the room. A somewhat solemn atmosphere was captured in
that one moment. I had come to this temple to sit in Zen meditation or
zazen (ΐT). In fact, anyone can experience zazen at Nanzenji temple,
the head temple of the RinzaiiΥΟjsect of Buddhism, which was founded
in 1293. Zazen is the most important aspect of training in Zen Buddhism.
Through the daily practice of zazen, trainee monks gradually develop their
power of concentration, later leading to a true awakening of the spirit.
The purpose of zazen is to attain perfect serenity of mind and ultimately
spiritual enlightenment. Most people do zazen to relax and elevate their
level of concentration. We call this power of concentration joriki (θΝ).
Joriki manifests itself in many ways, for example, it is an element of
the martial (karate) and visual arts. Zazen provides a moment free from
the preoccupation of our internal dialogues. After practicing zen for some
time, your awareness will sharpen and you will begin to notice things that
were always there, but previously escaped your attention.
It is said that zen was originally founded in the 6th century by Bodhidharma,
an Indian priest. However, the basic philosophy had already been described
in Rg Veda, a Brahmanist doctrine written around 2000 B.C. Zen was first
introduced to Japan through China in the 13th century and soon developed
a following. Today there are three sects of zen in Japan; Rinzai, Soto
(΄)and Obaku (©@).
Let us return to the room in Nanzenji temple. Following the monk's instructions,
I sat on a zafu (cushion) with my legs crossed, my back as straight as
it would go. There are two main sitting positions: half-lotus, where either
instep rests on the thigh, or full lotus, where both insteps rest on either
thigh. The knees should press the floor, forming a stable, three-point
posture with the buttocks on the zafu. The spinal column is arched, stretching
out the backbone.
Here I must sit and think of nothing for the next 20 minutes - normally
not a difficult task some might assume. However, one must let go of all
thoughts, opinions, and worries - everything our minds hold onto. After
taking a short break, I sat in meditation for another 20 minutes. Honestly
speaking though, in the first half I was only thinking about how much my
leg's ached, and it seemed to take forever, far from rid myself of all
worldly thoughts. But the latter half seemed to pass much more quickly.
I didn't feel the ache in my legs, my breathing became deeper and my concentration
increased. At last I could experience a peaceful mind through zazen.
Nanzenji temple is situated just east of the Kyoto International Community
House, and about 10-15 minutes walk from Keage station (Rγw) on the
Tozai subway line. There are many historical buildings and beautiful gardens
within its grounds that are worth seeing. How about trying something different?
Spend a few hours in meditation followed by sightseeing at Nanzenji temple.
You might just surprise yourself.
Note: You can experience zazen at the following temples:
Nazenji (μT) 2nd & 4th Sunday / month, 6:30am in winter (6am in
summer), free
Inquiries: 771-0365
Tenryuji (V³) 3rd Sunday, 17:30 (all year round), free
Access: Arashiyama Station on Hankyu line or Keifuku line.
Inquiries: 881-1235
Genkoan (ΉυΑ) 1st and 3rd Sunday, 7am - 9am, \400/month & \1,000
membership fee
Access: City Bus Kita-1, Genkoan-mae
Inquiries: 492-1858
M. Amanuma
In Bloom: A Flower Series
As I'm sure you will have noticed, this month's issue of Life in Kyoto
is in full color - yehhh, I hope you like it! Unfortunately, and a little
ironically, just like the 'beautiful flowers' we are introducing in this
months' issue, a colorful life is often short lived. In this case, just
one issue long. Although by no means comprehensive, the flowers presented
offer a glimpse of Kyoto's heavenly surroundings. Enjoy! Ed.
UMEi~:Plum Blossom)
The five petalled red, white or pink flowers of the plum tree bloom at
the end of winter (mid Feb. - beginning of March). Their beauty and sweet
smell remind us spring is coming soon.
Place: Imperial Palace, plum garden.
Admission: free
Access: 7 minutes walk to the south from Imadegawa subway sta., or to the
north from Marutamachi sta. Enter through the large Hamaguri-gomoniΈδεjGate.
M. Amanuma
TSUBAKI (Φ: Camellia)
The camellia tree is a tall evergreen with hard shiny broad leaves. It's
flowers are mostly five petalled, although you can find some single and
double-petalled varieties. They range in color from dark red, white, and
pink, to streaked white and red or pink. Oil can be extracted from the
seeds and applied to your hair. The Izu Islands and Kyushu are well known
for their camellias.
A few places for camellia viewing include:
Place: Ginkakuji Temple, Tel: (075-771-5725)
Access: City Bus No. 5 from JR Kyoto St. (Get off at Ginkakuji-michi)
Best Time: from March to May
Place: Honen-in Temple
Tel: (075-771-2420)
Access: City Bus No. 5 Minamida-cho Best Time: from March to April
Place: Osawa no Ike (near Daikakuji Temple, Tel: 075-871-0071)
Access: City Bus No. 71 or 81 (Get off at Daikakuji)
Best Time: from February to April
Y. Matsuda
SAKURA (χ: Cherry Blossom)
In spring there is nothing more beautiful than a walk down the Path of
Philosophy (Tetsugaku no michi: NwΜΉ), famous as a cherry blossom (and
maple leaf) viewing route. Stretching from Ginkakujiiβtjall the way
down to Nanzenji Temple (μT), the path follows a winding canal, with
cherry trees lining both sides. When in full bloom, it is like walking
through a tunnel of pink and white. How beautiful the petals are dancing
in the wind!
Place: Path of PhilosophyiNwΜΉj
Access: City Bus Ginkakuji-michi
Inquiries: 075-752-0225
(best time: beginning of April)
Place: Maruyama Koen Park (ΫRφ)
Access: City Bus Gion, Keihan line Shijo St. - 10 minutes walk
Inquiries: 075-561-0533 (best time: end of March to mid April)
Place: Heian Jingu Shrine (½ΐ_{)
Access: City bus (27,5) Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan mae
Open: 8:30 -17:30,
Admission: \600
Inquiries: 075-761-0221 (best time: beginning to mid April)
Place: Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Access: City Bus Arashiyama, Keifuku Arashiyama line or Hankyu Arashiyama
Line: Arashiyama St.
Inquiries: 075-752-0225 (best time: beginning to mid April)
Place: Ninnaji-Temple
Access: Keifuku Kitano line, Omuro St., City Bus or JR. bus Omuro Ninnaji
Open: 9:00 -16:30 (last entry 16:10), Admission: \500
Inquiries: 075-461-1151 (best time: mid April)
I. Hashimoto
TSUTSUJI (ΒΒΆ: Azalea)
They are small flowers of pink, red, scarlet, white and crimson, coming
into bloom from April to June depending on the species. Readers of Life
in Kyoto are so lucky because our Kyoto International Community House is
located just a stone's throw away from the Kyoto Municipal Keage Waterworks,
one of Kyoto's best sites to view azalea flowers. With an overwhelming
variety of species, the facility is open to the public free of charge in
early May, but the period is very short - usually only two days including
Saturday and Sunday - and not announced until early April. The date will
be printed in local newspapers, municipal publications, etc. or you can
confirm the date by calling Chosa-ka Section of Suido-kyoku on,
Tel: 075-672-7707.
Chishaku-in Temple (qΟ@) is another famous site for viewing the flower.
Just east of the intersection of Higashiyama and Shichijo streets, it is
in the neighborhood of the famous Sanju-Sangendo Hall and Kyoto National
Museum. Outside the city, Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is also a well-known
historical site for its azalea flowers. The best time can be confirmed
at the shrine (Tel. 075-951-1025).
Access: JR Nagaokakyo sta., or take Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Sta.
S. Sakae
AJISAI (zΤ: Hydrangea)
Hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season from mid June till mid July.
The color of the flowers differs according to how acidic the soil is in
which they are planted. Flowers from densely acidic earth will be blue,
while those from alkaline soil will turn a shade of reddish pink.
The variety of the flower is further divided by type, the most common
being the differentiation between normal hydrangea and calyx ydrangea (gakuajisai).
The Shisendo is worth seeing for both its beautiful garden and the simple
building constructed in 1641 by ISHIKAWA Jozan.
Admission: \500
Hours: 9:00- 17:00
Location: near Shugakuin Palace
Access: City bus #5 to Ichijoji-Sagarimatsu-mae, 5 min. walk.
Other recommended locations include:
Fujinomori jinja: Tel: 641-1045
Access: 10 minutes walk from Fujinomori st. by JR line. 5 minutes walk
from Sumizome st. by Keihan line.
Umemiya Taisha: Tel: 861-2730
Access: 10 minutes walk from Matsuo st. via Hankyu Arashiyama line.
3 minutes walk from Umenomiya-mae stop via City Bus No. 71.
Sanzenin: Tel: 744-2531,
Admission \600
Access: 10 minutes walk from Ohara stop via Kyoto Bus No. 17.
Taizoin, Tel. 463-2855
Access: 5 minutes walk from Hanazono st. by JR Sagano line.
A. Tara
HASU (@: Lotus)
One of the best places to view blossoming lotus flowers is the Himuro-
no ike (XΊr) pond in the garden of the Kaju-ji Temple (©C) - generally
called Kanshu-ji.
Best time: In the morning (petals close in afternoon) from mid-July through
to the end of August.
Access: 5 min. walk from Subway Tozai Line Ono Sta.
Hours: 9:00 - 16:00
Admission: \400
Inquiries: Kaju-ji Temple,
Tel. 075-571-0048
M. Fukuoka
HAGI (: Bush Clover)
The bush clover is so popular that it is counted as one of the seven autumn
grassE(Aki no Nanakusa). It is short tree with weeping branches. You can
see many small white or red flowers, whose shapes are like small butterflies.
Its leaves look like clover.
Best time: Throughout September
Place: Nashinoki Shrine - Hagi festival is held on every year on the 3rd
Sunday in September.
Access: Subway Karasuma Line: 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station.
Keihan Railway: 10-minute walk from Demachi Yanagi Station JR
Place: Heian Jingu Shrinek½ΐ_{l
Access: City bus (27,5) Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan mae
Open: 8:30 -17:30
Admission: \600
M. Yoshioka
SAZANKA (RΤ: Sasanqua)
We can enjoy viewing the sasanqua flower from October to January. Sasanqua
have very similar features to the camellia and comes under the same family.
The sasanqua has a simple beauty. If you want to observe this beauty, visit
one of the places.
Shisen-do Temple
Access: City Bus #5 to Ichijoji-sagarimatsu-mae, 5 min walk
Admission: \500
Inquiries: 075-781-2954
Kozan-ji Temple
Access: JR Bus to Togano'o, 5 min walk
Admission: \500
Inquiries: 075-861-4204
Daikaku-ji Temple
Access: City Bus to Daikaku-ji
Admission: \500
Inquiries: 075-871-0071
C. Okajima
MOMIJI (gt: Maple-Leaf)
From around mid November, beginning in the northern and western mountains,
maple leaves begin changing color, painting the city of Kyoto in vibrant
oranges and reds. As the temperature cools and the dying rays of a setting
sun fall on the leaves, the colors appear at their most brilliant. By the
end of November the transient beauty of the maple leaves will have all
but disappeared. Some recommended momiji viewing sites:
Place: Mt.Takaozan (YR)
Following along the Kiyotaki River the Tokai Nature path leads through
Takao to Jingoji Temple and Saomyoji Temple.
Access: City Bus, Takao bus stop
Place: Sagano (΅γμ) & Arashiyama (R) area. On Nov. 12th the Momiji
Matsuri (a performance of Japanese traditional dance and plays) will be
staged on boats on the Ohigawa River.
Access: Keifuku line or Arashiyama line, Arashiyama Stn., JR Sagano line,
Saga Arashiyama Stn, to "Romantic Train"
Place: Ohara fields (ε΄)
Ohara is a charming and historical place. Visit Sanzen-in on the east and
Jakko-in on the west.
Access: City Bus, Ohara bus stop
Place: Daitokuji Temple (εΏ)
Access: City Bus, Daitokuji bus stop, Subway Kita-oji Stn.
Place: Tofukuji Temple ()
Access: JR Nara or Keihan line; Tofukuji Stn
Place: Eikando temple (iΟ°)
Access: City Bus, Eikando-Nanzenjimachi bus stop
N. Suematsu
JAPANESE ANIME II
Bred to be a Hero: Anpan-Man
In this, the second article in the series on Japanese Anime (animations),
I would like to introduce another favorite, Anpan-man. While this particular
anime is not very well known overseas, in Japan it has been immensely popular
for decades. For many people just the mention of "anpan" immediately
brings his large round smiling face to mind.
"Anpan" actually means "sweet red-bean bun". It is
easy to guess what Anpan-man's figure looks like just from his name. His
head appears to dominate the rest of his body - like a big soft bun on
legs. Anpan-man also wears a cape that enables him to fly.
The Anpan-man stories are the genius of YANASE Takashi, who first published
them in picture book form in 1973. The book became more and more popular,
and in 1988 an animated version was produced for television. The common
theme of every episode revolves around confrontations between Anpan-man
and the evil Baikin-man (Bacteria-man). In his fights with Baikin-man,
Anpan-man's head is often injured and he loses his super powers. When this
happens, Mr. Jam, the baker/scientist and his assistant have to make a
new head for him. During the baking process, Anpan-man's other superhero
friends inevitably arrive in time to help him save the day. It is also
not unusual for Anpan-man to offer a part of his head to children who are
lost and hungry, saying, "Here, have a piece of me!" This tends
to keep Mr. Jam (below) busy baking.
The adventures of Anpan-man and his friends help children learn the importance
of hygiene in a very entertaining and fun way. Furthermore, Anpan-man's
positive attitude - he never gives up and is always cheerful, also makes
him a great role model and every child's hero.
There are many interesting and unique characters in this story.
The Baddies:
Baikin-man is Anpan-man's long time rival, and is always doing his best
to make trouble. His training even involves doing push-ups to build up
his strength in order to beat Anpan-man. However, for all his 'dirty deeds'
Baikin-man has a rather charming personality and is not actually hated
by everyone. His partner in crime is Dokin-chan ("kin" means
germ and "dokin" is the onomatopoeic sound for a heart beat).
She is always scaring people and causing mischief. While her allegiance
lies with Baikin-man, her heart lies with Shokupan-man (Bread-man), and
although she can be a little selfish, her character makes the story very
amusing.
The Goodies:
Anpan-man's best friend is Shokupan-man, the sincere tough guy. He is
of course popular among the girls, as he has never lost a fight. His one
and only fear is mould. Another goody is Karepan-man (Curry-bread-man).
He is a nice guy, but a little bit on the wild (spicy) side. Then there
is Batako-san ("bata" comes from butter), Mr. Jam's assistant.
She has a kind heart and superb cooking skills. And don't forget Mr. Jam's
super watchdog Cheese, a loveable character even if his only line is "woof
woof"
Are you wondering just how popular Anpan-man is? There is an Anpan-man
Museum in Kochi prefecture (m§) the island of Shikoku. It opened just
5 years ago in Kahoku, the native town of the artist who brought Anpan-man
to life. If you have a chance to go to Kochi prefecture, why don't you
visit the museum? Otherwise check out the virtual Anpan-man Museum on the
Internet,
(http://www.erols.com/makijim/fun.htm) where you can find lots of great
pictures and the lyrics to the Anpan-man song, see below:
No, don't be afraid (to protect everyone)
Love and courage are your friends
What makes you happy?
What pleases you?
To come to an end without knowing the answers
We don't like that
Don't forget your dreams
Don't let your tears fall
Then you can fly
Anywhere
No, don't be afraid (to protect everyone)
Love and courage are your friends
Yes, yes, Anpanman
How gentle you are!
Go! Protect everyone's dreams!
C.Okajima