My Sensibilities Returning

I had the opportunity to participate in the Kechien Kanjō ceremony at Mount Kōya.
Kechien Kanjō is an esoteric Buddhist ritual that allows one to form a connection with the Buddha. It seems to be open to the general public regardless of sect, and I was fortunate enough to be able to participate this time.

Perhaps because I started working full-time about a year ago, I have been constantly exhausted and felt that traveling far away was a chore. However, by transferring between Shinkansen trains and buses, and sleeping soundly on the bus, I managed to make it to Mount Kōya. The rhododendrons were in full bloom, the sky was blue and filled with light, sunlight filtered through the trees, and I could smell incense everywhere; I was enchanted, feeling as if I had come to heaven.

I was guided through Okunoin by Iori-san, who has been ordained, and stayed at a temple lodging called Muryōkō-in. I was able to participate in the morning service (Goma fire ritual) at this temple lodging. It was a fantastical and solemn world, as if I had stepped into another dimension. The room was dark, lit only by candles and the flames of the Goma fire, but that only added to the sanctity. The voices of the monks resonated beautifully, and I was drawn in along with the flickering flames. It was like watching a performance. I realized that such beautiful expression exists outside the world of art, and various things came to mind, connecting with one another. Imaginations floated up and then faded away. I was also surprised to learn that they offer prayers every morning not only for Japan but for the victims of wars and disasters around the world, and I could not help but naturally press my hands together and bow my head.

Before the Kechien Kanjō, there was a large procession of monks called 'Oneri' and sutra chanting, and even during the Kechien Kanjō, the mantras of all the participants continued to resonate, giving me the feeling that something precious was soaking into the depths of my body. When I closed my eyes, I felt as if I had been thrown into a world of deep green where many squiggly, character-like shapes were floating. But I didn't feel scared; I was simply savoring that sensation.

By listening to various people's stories, sharing my own, and experiencing the services and the Kechien Kanjō, I realized that I have already been given so much. I felt as though I had understood it superficially in my head, but I was made to realize once again that I had not truly, truly realized how much I have been given. I seem to repeat this kind of thing over and over. I hope to continue climbing this repetition like a spiral staircase and understand it, even if only a little at a time.
For the first time in a while, I wanted to take pictures. I hadn't taken pictures for a long time. I feel like there are other things I should be thinking about, but this trip also made me realize that regaining my sensibilities is the top priority, and that it is a part of who I am.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Junko-san and Iori-san for creating this opportunity, and to everyone who joined me. Thank you very much.