When I was in Kyoto last week, there was one day that I was in serious need of some zen-ness. I hopped on a bus that took me up into a little mountain town, Ohara. For a long time I sat alone in the large garden of a temple where the sun illuminated the small Japanese maple leaves. Water ran down the slope, playing notes on each rock in hit.
After a while I explored the area a little more and was drawn to this old house. Once again, I sat and absorbed the nature around me. From one side I marvelled at the beauty of a 700 year old pine tree.
While enjoying the view, I was served traditional, bitter, matcha tea, perfectly complimented by a very sweet Japanese manju.
The red carpet was set out in an L shape on the tatami matting. To my side, the garden continued with a bamboo background.
After a quiet half an hour spent like this, I felt like I'd had a full eight hours sleep. It's fantastic for the soul and I really have to remind myself to do this more often.
This is my zen contribution to Big Cat's BLOGTOBERFEST.
11 comments:
These photographs are absolutely exquisite Melanie! Oh how I miss Kyoto. What a wonderfully zen place to stop and forget the world. I'm glad it helped you :)
Beautiful. I can practically feel the peacefulness while reading your post. I think we all forget that we need some peace and restfulness in our lives. Thanks for reminding us.
One of my dreams that I hope to fulfill one day is to have a small Japanese garden and a tatami mat room so I can do this very activity chez moi. Until then I can only wish.
So beautiful; what wonderful photographs. I feel I got my little bit if serenity just looking at these.
EEee! That looks like the much needed antidote to a stressy time, Melanie. I'd love to go there one day.
PS I've tagged you on my blog!
Very nice. I feel peaceful just looking at the photo.
yes, so zen like.......hope you were able to have some great thinking time
I think I should get me some of that there zen!
Looks wonderful.
What a fantastic day you had! I love days like that.
That's what I think heaven look like :)
This is the sort of thing the tourists really miss out on. Kyoto can be so awful and overloaded, and completely lacking in zen...
Have you been to Koyasan, in Wakayama? It's a pretty amazing place to feel peace, too.
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