Shukubo (temple stay)
Monjusenji Temple is an ancient temple with a history of about 1,300 years. The principal image of the temple is Manjusri, who is worshipped as the Buddha of wisdom.
There was only one bus a day to the temple. The bus stop was at the entrance to the temple.
The room I stayed in was a Japanese-style room with two adjacent 8 tatami mat rooms and a 10 tatami mat room. In the tokonoma (alcove) was a hanging scroll depicting Avalokitesvara riding a dragon. This room was once where the lord stayed.
After checking in, the first thing I did was to undergo mountain training with the monk. I used the rope to climb steep slopes and walk over rugged rocks.
The monk explained that climbing the steep mountain is not a form of training, but a means to reach the place of prayer.
As we climbed the mountain, we found a shrine dedicated to the god of wind. There was also a water source where the Avalokitesvara was enshrined.
After walking for about an hour, I returned to the shukubo and took a bath. It felt really good. Towels and bath towels were provided.
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
Dinner was Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. The menu included rice, miso soup, grated yam soba noodles, konjac, sesame tofu, simmered dishes, vinegared dishes, tempura, mashed tofu salad , stir-fried burdock root, fava beans, pickled radish, and plums.
The rice is grown by the head priest in the rice fields. The tempura was served with matcha salt. All of them were gently seasoned and delicious. I thought the plums would be sour, but they were actually pickled sweetly.
Copying Sutras
After dinner, I returned to my room and did some Copying Sutras. I placed paper on top of the model and copied it over with a brush pen. At the very end, I wrote my name and wish.
Zen meditation and Goma (fire) Prayer
The next morning, a goma (fire) prayer ceremony was held, so I attended. I was very close to the fire and could feel the heat. Mantras were chanted and ritual implements were beaten.
Furthermore, the copy of the sutra I had written the previous day was thrown into the fire. I was told that this would ensure that my wish would reach the Buddha.
At the end, the large drum was beaten with all its might and the Heart Sutra was chanted. The impact of the sound vibrated throughout my body, and it felt as if the dirt in my heart was being cleansed.
After that, I did zen meditation.
I sat on a meditation cushion, crossed my legs, and straightened my back. I breathed in through my nose and out slowly through my mouth. And I focused on counting my breaths.
The bell rang three times in the hall and zen meditation began. The surroundings were quiet and I could hear the birds and the wind. I sat there for about 30 minutes and the bell rang three times to end it.
Breakfast
I had breakfast with the monk. I ate while being taught the proper training etiquette.
First, I joined my hands in prayer and chanted the Heart Sutra. Next, I picked up a pinch of porridge with my chopsticks and placed it on the tray. This is an offering given to small birds and the like.
When eating, I held each bowl with both hands. I tried to make as little noise as possible.
After I finished eating, I used the last piece of pickled radish and some tea to wash the dishes. Finally, I drank it and finished by saying thanks for the meal.
