Engakuji-ji, founded in 1282, was our first stop. "The fact that we are living here, now, in the present - this is the true meaning of the existence of Buddha. Nothing is more precious than this. How marvelous this is! How important this is to realize from the bottom of one's heart! This is the way in which all of us, each in our own fashion, will awaken to the truth and each live, in our own way, a cheerful and happy life. This is the teaching of Zen." - Zen Master Mugaku Sogen, founder of Engakuji |
"If you have lost your true self, all phenomena bring you nothing but annoyance. If you discover your essence of mind, you can follow nothing but the true path."
We took the local train to nearby Hase to see the Daibutsu. Cast in 1252, the "Great Buddha" is 44 feet. Having survived tidal waves, fires, earthquakes, and typhoons, it now has shock absorbers in its base. The bronze statue's proportions are distorted so that it appears balanced to those in front of it. |