In college I studied Buddhism, and the 8 sutra of right way, right mind, right action...so I felt it was a full circle experience to come here. Before we came to Japan, about 4 weeks prior, I had a vivid dream about the O-Tori, however I had never seen it or remembered it from anywhere. Where the clear image came from I really don't know.
I won't explain these photos in excess. Just know that Shinto is a religion full of ritual rites and practices, where as Buddhism is a way of being, a way of life. Even tho Buddha is praised as a god, he should be simply recognized as a symbol of attaining nirvana.
Arrival on the Island and Shopping Artifacts
From Hiroshima it's a 20 minute train ride to the ferry. The ferry takes 10 minutes to get to the island.
There are approximately 500 deer on the island. That's Katy with the first deer we saw right off the boat.
William is pointing to a landslide from the rainy season.
In Shinto and Buddhism you clean you hands and rinse your mouth before entering the shrines (and remove your hat).
This is a Buddhist couple praying. When they stood he had a Buddha charm around his neck.
Buying a good luck or bad luck wish
SAKE!!! Hiroshima is well know for their Sake. These are empty barrels of sake. It's said sake should be sweet and its helps cleanse the spirit and the body. I know I always feel better after I have some.
I'm leaving my "wishes" for the gods, so they come true.
Part 2 will have the Buddhist Temples that were "saved" from destruction and original to the area.
Happy Travels.
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