I’ve been juggling so many tasks lately that I haven’t been able to update my diary.
Yesterday, I received a formal Shinto prayer for the first time in my life. I visited Yatsurugi Shrine, famous for observing “Omiwatari” (The God’s Crossing)—a phenomenon where Lake Suwa freezes over, creating an ice ridge that looks like a path for the gods—and performing divinations based on it. They check the temperature and the lake’s condition every morning this time of year, but due to global warming, it hasn’t been observed for seven years. Apparently, it requires at least three consecutive days of -10°C, which seems tough. A cold wave is expected soon, so we’ll see what happens.
It was the day of Daikan (the coldest day of the year) with fierce winds. Enduring the cold, I listened to the Shinto prayers (Norito) and the sacred flute (Kagurabue), received purified salt, and had them pray for a year of good health and “Shingan-joju”—a sort of “all-in-one pack” for fulfilling various personal wishes. The vibration of the drums through my body and the rhythmic, polished sounds of the prayers were full of elements that heighten one’s spirit. It truly made me feel refreshed and ready for a new start. I could feel the strength and history of rituals that draw out such a mindset.
In Tokyo, I used to love watching the Goma (fire ritual) of the Shingon sect. Whether or not Kukai was influenced by Zoroastrianism is uncertain, but watching fire always gets me excited. The Fukagawa Fudodo of Naritasan is particularly flashy and fun. The chanting of Mandalas, voices echoing through the space, and the flames—it’s all so dramatic. The building covered in Sanskrit characters is striking, and inside, there are 10,000 crystal stupas that really lift your spirits.
Like the “Hell Temples” in Thailand, I feel that Buddhism places a heavy emphasis on experience and sensation. It feels as if they know the limits of what language can convey, which really resonates with me.
By the way, the Buddhism deep-dive episodes on COTEN RADIO were incredibly interesting, so I highly recommend them!
Also, here are some animations I’ve watched recently and loved!
Juana Molina – Desinhumano -Director: Dante Zaballa
☄️ Comet in Moominland -Animation by Karlotta Freier.
I don’t have a strong religious faith in “gods” as such, but I do have a certain sense of awe toward nature.
I want to stay sharp and mindful so that no misfortune occurs. I tend to let my guard down so easily, after all.