Link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jtX-21Iddo
March 9, 2008, Kyoto, Japan. While we did manage to find a bunch of very peaceful and very beautiful gardens in Kyoto, it's worth mentioning that some of the most famous gardens are, for better or worse, heavily trafficked tourist destinations and they're almost impossible to experience as originally intended. (Whether or not I'd be capable of the correct experience, regardless of crowd size, is a whole other question.) Anyway, one of the world's most famous rock gardens is at Ryōan-ji temple in northwest Kyoto. My simplified understanding: the garden has a total of 15 rocks (fifteen is a number associated with "completeness" in Buddhism), but from the intended viewing area, a person can only see up to 14 rocks at any one time, no matter where he is standing. Certainly a potent symbolic concept to ponder, but given the crowds at Ryōan-ji, you may be better off taking a quick mental snapshot and heading over to one of the Kyoto's less-traveled gardens and pondering/meditating/what-having-you there instead.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Video: Ryōan-ji Rock Garden
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2 comments:
Haven and Mike,
I have so much catching up to do but firstly, please let me say that I am thrilled that you are safe and sound, enjoying a trip that sounds incredible and last but certainly not least, Jack and I are beyond thrilled for you and your future together! Congratulations on your engagement! Mike, you pulled that off perfectly!
After sleeping off my jet lag, I'm spending my morning reading and enjoying all your posts, viewing your video clips, and drinking GOOD coffee (can you relate?). Tokyo sounds like a sensory overload, Nikko more serene, and Kyoto a place for spiritual pilgrimage. I can relate to your thoughts on the crowds somehow putting a damper on the quiet solitude that you look for in the gardens. Visiting the holy places in Jerusalem was just the same. It's hard to grasp the "feeling" of the place when tourists are snapping photos and yelling.
Haven, I lost all track of days but know that you were in my thoughts on your birthday and we will get together when you get back, ok?
We're looking forward to more posts. Thinking of you every day. Be safe and we love you! mom/susan
Dear yous guys,
I sure am impressed with this blog you got here. I sure do like dem der' videos you got, too. How I miss you and the Midwest. I probably should have squeezed in a Japan trip before I got all preggers but, oh well, whatever.
Me with child, you with engagement ring/proposal. Are we gettin' old or what?!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, HLL.
Love yous,
Goids
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