Don't read this if you ever intend to visit Kyoto.
At the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Kyoto our guidebook suggested going through a particular entryway next to the main shrine; it wouldn't say more. I will.
We were asked to take off our shoes and place them in sturdy plastic bags. We were instructed to hold the plastic bag in our right hands and grab a handrail with our left. At the appropriate time, we were to make a wish or say a prayer. We would know when.
We started down a flight a stairs where there was no light. At the bottom we passed through a curtain and the light from above was cut off. It was pitch dark. The wooden handrail changed to a rope with large wooden beads that led us further into the dark. We took very tiny steps, inching our way along, not knowing what to expect. With our right hands holding the bags with our shoes, we couldn't use our right hands to feel ahead of ourselves. We had to trust the beaded rope. We turned one corner, then another, then another. The beaded rope continued to lead us on.
Suddenly there was a dim light ahead and we came upon a smooth round stone, perhaps two feet in diameter. On in was inscribed a Sanskrit character, presumably a blessing or good-luck charm. Each of us let go of the beaded rope and put our left hands on the stone, which began to turn. We slowly walked around it clockwise and silently said our prayers. We could see only the stone and its character and our hands. After one turn we reached out for the beaded rope to resume our journey of discovery. After another turn or two we began to see light ahead. A curtain and a flight of stairs led us to the outside world.
Not surprisingly, all of this had meaning. From a description provided by the temple: "Zuigu-Bosatsu is symbolized by a Sanskrit character (hara), which is known as a motherly Buddha, who would grant any wishes you have if they are sincere enough to come true. The basement of the Hall is regarded as the womb of Zuigu-Bosatsu. That is why it is completely dark inside and there is supposed to be no space for your attachment. You are supposed to walk through the basement following the Buddhist beads [the beaded rope]. When the Zuigu-Stone appears in front of you, you will make a wish and turn the Stone with your true prayer. After you are out through the womb, you will purify yourself and feel the rebirth with the virtue of Zuigu-Bosatsu."
Pretty cool, eh?
At the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Kyoto our guidebook suggested going through a particular entryway next to the main shrine; it wouldn't say more. I will.
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| Kiyomizu-Dera Temple |
We were asked to take off our shoes and place them in sturdy plastic bags. We were instructed to hold the plastic bag in our right hands and grab a handrail with our left. At the appropriate time, we were to make a wish or say a prayer. We would know when.
We started down a flight a stairs where there was no light. At the bottom we passed through a curtain and the light from above was cut off. It was pitch dark. The wooden handrail changed to a rope with large wooden beads that led us further into the dark. We took very tiny steps, inching our way along, not knowing what to expect. With our right hands holding the bags with our shoes, we couldn't use our right hands to feel ahead of ourselves. We had to trust the beaded rope. We turned one corner, then another, then another. The beaded rope continued to lead us on.
Suddenly there was a dim light ahead and we came upon a smooth round stone, perhaps two feet in diameter. On in was inscribed a Sanskrit character, presumably a blessing or good-luck charm. Each of us let go of the beaded rope and put our left hands on the stone, which began to turn. We slowly walked around it clockwise and silently said our prayers. We could see only the stone and its character and our hands. After one turn we reached out for the beaded rope to resume our journey of discovery. After another turn or two we began to see light ahead. A curtain and a flight of stairs led us to the outside world.
Not surprisingly, all of this had meaning. From a description provided by the temple: "Zuigu-Bosatsu is symbolized by a Sanskrit character (hara), which is known as a motherly Buddha, who would grant any wishes you have if they are sincere enough to come true. The basement of the Hall is regarded as the womb of Zuigu-Bosatsu. That is why it is completely dark inside and there is supposed to be no space for your attachment. You are supposed to walk through the basement following the Buddhist beads [the beaded rope]. When the Zuigu-Stone appears in front of you, you will make a wish and turn the Stone with your true prayer. After you are out through the womb, you will purify yourself and feel the rebirth with the virtue of Zuigu-Bosatsu."
Pretty cool, eh?
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