KYONIN (and Jundo's) TRAVEL DIARY in JAPAN

[Onka]

Flooding sucks. Typhoons can be scary. My ex partner and I were flying JAL from Sydney to Japan for an overnight stop before flying on to the UK where we were moving to.
The flight was getting battered by a Typhoon that was hitting Japan. My ex partner was incredibly unwell from the turbulence and I was trying to convince myself to be strong for her. Looking around as we were buffeted about and dropping huge distances followed by steep climbs all I saw were a plane full of Japanese folk shrieking and laughing with their arms waving in the air. They thought this was tremendous fun while I was convinced I was going to die haha. Looking back it was hilarious but then all I could think of was that this explains my martial arts teacher and his Japanese wife's wacky sense of humour.
Be safe all of my Japanese sisters and brothers.
Oh, and Jundo, that description of the first weeks of a novice Monk's journey at Eiheiji sounds pretty hardcore. I'm a bit fond of physical exertion but believe it or not the thing I'd like to be able to do - Skikantaza - I can't because of my blasted spine. I'm quite taken with walking Zazen at the moment, not quite as slow as Kinhin but just as mindful.
Be well Kyonin. May your pilgrimage end safely in the arms of your loved ones.
Gassho
Anna

Sat today/Lent a hand

Sent from my Lenovo TB-8304F1 using Tapatalk

[Heiso]

I'm just catching up after a hectic week. It's been lovely to accompany you on your journey, Kyonin and I'm glad to hear you are safe. Terrible to see and hear the impact of the typhoon, I will also sit for everyone involved.

Gassho,

Neil

StLah

Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

[Tairin]

Putting aside the catastrophe for a moment, this continues to be a most fascinating journey for Kyonin. Once the storm passes this extra time at Eiheiji will become a cherished memory.

Metta for those in the path of this typhoon and for all suffering from natural catastrophes


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Tai Do]

I’m very glad for your journey, Kyonin. It is wonderful to be able to experience all you are living.
May you return well.
And may all affected by this typhoon be well. Metta!
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat today/LAH

[Eva]

Somehow I think that this typhoon is exactly where it is supposed to be (for a typhoon) and Kyonin where Kyonin is supposed to be .
Wishing everyone a safe stay wherever one finds himself/herself .

Gassho, eva
sattoday and also LAH

[Seishin]

Good to see Kyonin got a safe haven the night. That Gimme Shelter video was a wonderful thought Jundo. What a great cover too boot. Loving this story unravel.

Sat / lah

[Meitou]

"The kuin (庫院 lit. warehouse hall) is the kitchen of a Zen monastery, typically located behind the butsuden (or, Buddha Hall). Historically the kuin was a kitchen which prepared meals only for the abbot and his guests, though in modern Japan it now functions as the kitchen and administrative office for the entire monastery."

The following says "Dai Kuin" (Great Kitchen), so it is the last two Kanji ...



Gassho, J

STLah

Thanks for this Jundo, I'll make a little gift for my personal Tenzo.
So sad to see the flooding in Ibaraki, it must be terrible for people in Japan to see this, triggering memories of the Tsunami, images which I'll never forget. I'll sit and offer Metta for all who are suffering.
I'm very glad to know that Kyonin was allowed to stay at the monastery for the night, I hope he wasn't as cold as Koun Franz anyway - that was quite an inspiring story.
I sit hoping that he continues his journey safely and that your community in Tsukuba avoids major damage.
Gassho
Meitou
sattodaylah

[Jundo]

Dear All,

Here is what I wrote Kyonin on the plan for today ...

After the typhoon passes tonight, you will be surprised how lovely and clear the weather should be in the morning. The air will be fresh, and the sun soon shining.

Any way you can, get to Fukui Station [the closest major hub] pretty early when they kick you out at 9am. It may be a bit chaotic, and the trains might still not be running, but they will have the best information at the ticketing office, speak English, and try to help you at the JR [railroad] information office. The good news is that there are many routings from Fukui to get back ... There are many different train routings to these places around here from Fukui, so I am almost positive that you will get back to Tsukuba within tomorrow (Sunday 11/13). Something will be running ... I will see you tomorrow night.

In the worst case, I will come get you. Don't worry. You won't miss your flight.

So, the sun is shining and the sky is clear, and that is the plan. Kyonin just wrote that the bus seems to be working from Eiheiji to Fukui. The monks brought him breakfast, and he is setting out after that.

At Treeleaf, only minor damage that I can see, stuff that even I can fix. Back field is flooded. Our old pig house (pigs long gone) is still standing, which is amazing as only the termites are holding it together I think!


pig house.png

The Zendo looks like it made it.

On the other hand, in our community, the town hall is still sending notifications about possible river flooding and land slides. That is true in other places around Japan too ...

https://youtu.be/fEU191OOFrM

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191013_24/

Our Zazen today is for all victims of natural events here and around the world.

Gassho, J

STLah

PS - (If anyone is thinking of a donation, Japan is generally very well off. I would suggest one of the organizations like Doctors without Borders that rushes to places around the world less well off).

[Kyonin]

Hi guys,

Just a little update.

Yesterday it was a very scary day because the typhoon was coming but I had to leave Eiheiji right in the middle of the storm.

I asked for shelter, but at first the monks said no. Jundo talked to someone and they finally let me stay one more night. I guess that when they realized the size and fury of the typhoon, the changed their minds.

They gave me a room a nice futon, but for security reasons they asked me not to leave the room. With no Internet, I've had quite a bit of time to sit zazen while listening to the rain, the temple bells and the monks chanting.

They were super nice and kind to me. They made sure I was warm, fed and confortable. I am very grateful to them.

So it's the next day and it's still raining, but not as hard. Bus is working again and that will take me to the nearest train station.

Wish me luck in my adventure back to Jundo's home.

Gassho,

Kyonin

I'm not posting pictures because I am saving data. I want to have my connection available while I go back to Tsukuba. But I'll post some as soon as I can.

Enviado desde mi SNE-LX3 mediante Tapatalk

[Ishin]

Be safe Kyonin. What a great adventure!

Gassho
Ishin
Sat/lah

[Jundo]

I asked for shelter, but at first the monks said no. Jundo talked to someone and they finally let me stay one more night. I guess that when they realized the size and fury of the typhoon, the changed their minds.

Yes, that is one reason. Also when they realized the size and fury of my loud voice (although coupled with a peaceful heart) when I heard they planned to turn you and some other folks out at 9am yesterday with the storm making landfall. I think I used words on the phone like 慈悲 (Jihi, Compassion) and inquired of their ほとけの心 (Hotoke no Kokoro, Buddha's Heart) to even think about putting people out in a massive storm, some of whom don't speak Japanese and have no idea where to go with no trains running! I think that realization, and my mention that it would look awfully bad when the story came out on Facebook, helped change their hearts too! What were they even thinking?

So it's the next day and it's still raining, but not as hard.

Oh, the skies are clear and cloudless here!

Gassho, J

STLah

[Onkai]

Thank you, Jundo and Kyonin, for keeping us informed of what is happening. I wish you safe and comfortable travels, Kyonin.

Gassho,
Onkai
Sat

[Jundo]

All train lines now running inside metropolitan Tokyo (except for some flooded areas in the outskirts), and from Tokyo to Tsukuba ... so, if we can now get Kyonin as far as Tokyo today, he will be okay.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Jundo]

Trouble now seems to be the train line between Fukui and Maibara, which he needs. It is listed as service disruptions, and partially blocked, but no details.

[Jundo]

Good news! Kyonin just wrote ...

Hi Jundo!

I am now at Fukui station. The people at the JR desk changed my tickets for today.

I am waiting now to board the 11:36 train for Maibara. All is fine so far

I wrote ...

Yeah. Okay, get a seat on left side of Shikansen facing front of train ... and don't sleep through and miss Mt. Fuji. I will be very upset. Remember that Fuji san will be lovely today. It will be visible out the left side windows as you face the front of the train. I think it is most visible after you pass Shizuoka, and around Shin Fuji, on your way to Tokyo.

No snow on top of Mt Fuji or cherry blossoms this time of year, however. So, I will substitute this photo ...

Let us celebrate Kyonin's travels with a little more of the Okinawan Drum group that he and I saw, who combine traditional Okinawan dance with Karate Kata moves ... I have become a big fan. This is a great song ...

https://youtu.be/6uDI_4QxrJE

Gassho, J

STLah