-
Dragonflies in the Garden, Nikko, Japan
Nikko was our first stop out of Tokyo. The temple and shrine area (combining Buddhism and Shinto architecture) has the advantage of being situated on a gorgeous wooded mountainside, above a fast flowing river. The downside during our visit was that the Rinnoji Temple was completely encased by another building, as an eleven-year renovation project…
-
Three Wise Monkeys of Sacred Stable in Nikko, Japan
The Three Wise Monkeys get all the attention, but the famous panel of “See/Hear/Speak No Evil” is just one of eight carved scenes depicting the arc of life. In any case, the monkeys are incorporated into the outer face of an Edo-era stable because they were thought to protect the animals inside. The stable sits…
-
Haiku: Two Sets of Questions
Five Haiku Questions: Child Who offers haiku To whom when a child outlives Her two parents What child listens to Elders without resistance An opposite pole Where did the story slip loose now coated with ash And altered by time When will memories Become blossoms like faces Sunning together Why can’t I hear you In…