Friday, May 31, 2019

Junrei Henro One Day

In the morning light, I step out under the Eastern sun. The Amaterasu, somber and dutiful in my march on the artificial road laid out before me. Summer sweat glistening early and often, I am unsure of my feeling. 

Do I go North or do I go South, West or continue on this Eastern path. I am greeted by the power and might of the mountain. Here is my first stop, my first realization, I continue to the next stop and then another. Soon I am crossing the man made highway of concrete and asphalt greeted by a Queen, reaching another mountain. I arrive in the Pure Land of the Amida Nyorai.

Giving me shade from the heat, I make another mountaintop stop, then another. As the goddess begins her descent into slumber, I return. My final stop a small inconspicuous building offering the memory of local grounds. I say goodnight.

In honor of this process I wish to offer some haiku to honor the Master, given the nature of this venture and geographical location it seems fitting:

Dayrise, morning light.
Yellow and red streaming down.
I set out on foot.

Eastern mountain rise.
I arrive under maple.
Five points, and gardens.

Panoramic view.
Looking to the West awaits.
Walks again past time.

Finally arrived.
Sun falling down, pond side thoughts.
(Oh shit) Suzumebachi.