Tibetan Mandala

From 13;00 to 15:00 from March 31 till April 2, you can see Tibetan Mandala being made by Tibetan monks at DAIENIN temple in Koyasan.
I hear Tibetan Mandala is drawn by sand but I haven't seen the real one made in front of me. They are making Avalokitesvara(KANNON, the boddhisattva of mercy ) Mandara. It looked more detailed and precise than I had expected. Colorful sand is placed accurately in every detailed place. I wonder they can't even breathe or blink. Anyway I can't wait to see when it is completed.

First, to see them making Mandala, we are given a white cloth to offer to Dalai Blama. White cloth is considered as good offering to show our respect. We walk clockwise around Mandala to reach the alter. We also see many unique tools which are used for their rituals.
Sometimes, Tibetan Buddhism and Shingon Buhhism are sometimes said very similar.
And I think it is true too. They decorate 5 colored flags all around which contains the five element of the universe. Well, in Shingon Buddhism, they don't make this kind of mandala with sand.
They'll show their Mandala completed (They say they will harden it with some spray) and have Buddhist session at Koyasan University on April 3rd from 13:00. You can hear the explanation of Mandala by a professor at Koyasan University.
Tibetan SHOMYO (religious singing) and CHAM (religious dancing) are exibited as well.
Well, why don't you come and see?

Stop the hysteria

Many friends and people who once was guided by me sent very warm and kind concerns and messages. I really appreciate for that.
But at the same time, the travel alert in the foreign countries and some excessive news reports, many foreign tourists cancel their trip to Japan even they will never visit Eastern Japan.

The western Japan is totally safe and has no influence of the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear crisis but the tourism in the west as well is facing the serious situation.
I know if one saw those terrible scenes repeatedly on TV or You Tube, you feel guilty to do something enjoyable. The nuclear power plan crisis is serious but it can be solved soon. It is 600-700 km away from Koyasan.
I dare to say people on the west love to help our fellow people in Tohoku and eastern Japan but we are also threatened by our daily life to encourage them and support them as well if we can't keep our daily lives.
So please do not stop traveling to Japan!
Please see this beautiful country and think about the sufferes and how you can really help them. You can also see how brave and patient in Tohoku Area who try to find out the right way to live there.

Even locals couldn't predicted

I'm usually not such a cautious person but I should be.
At this time of the year, I often make sure to ask some local friends of mine in Koyasan if I can drive up there without snow tires.
But even locals predict wrong.
It was absolutely sunny down the mountain but once I drove up, it looked like this. Can I drive back home safely after guiding?

Still Away From Spring?!

I thought spring has finally come but I came totally to the wrong place.
It sometimes happens here in Koyasan at this time of the year and we are pulled back to the freezer.
I love snow and winter but now I miss spring.

Coming Friday, March 11 (this year), HOIN-san who, among chief abbots of Koyasan temples, plays the role of Kobo Daishi through a year is relieved.
And this time of the year, it is always cold.
We should be well prepared for the cold weather.