Kyoto - spirited away

Last Friday I took part in a traditional buddhist ceremony at the Daigoji temple in Kyoto, which belongs to Shingon buddhism. This ceremony honored Shobo Rigen Daishi, the founder of the Daigoji monastery and is held every 50 years.

At the same time master Shinjo Ito, Founder of Shinnyo-En, was honored who trained at Daigoji in the 30ies and 40ies of last century and succeeded to the Dharma stream.

On that occasion also, for the first time in esoteric buddhist history were women and foreigners allowed to take part in such a ceremony. To me, this was an unspeakable honor and I hardly can express how thankful I am for being able to take part in this special ceremony. It was also for me an unforgettable experience.

I was invited to offer flowers in the Kondo hall (main hall) and this was something very very precious. Looking back, this was one of the happiest and most intense moments in my life and I thank all involved for their trust and their support. This ceremony helped me understanding a little more about the roots of buddhism, about appreciation and gratitude.

Words are not enough to express what I feel.

Honto ni, domo arigatou gozaimashita.

Pls click on the pic for a few impressions from the Daigoji grounds and the rehearsals for this beautiful ceremony.