Well, here I am in Tokyo.
I arrived 4pm on Wednesday afternoon, so that would be 7am in England. I missed my connection in Paris by 5 minutes, due to the flight being delayed from Heathrow, so had to wait in Charles de Gaulle airport for 5 hours until catching a flight with Japan Air. All in all I had been travelling for 18 hours so absolutely done in. I perked up a bit, however, on the bus journey from the airport in Tokyo, when I saw just how many trees I could see. Central Tokyo is a different thing, however. Like most cities there are parks but being the most densely populated city in the world there are a lot of high-rise buildings.
There are many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, but they seem to be sadly ignored, even though they are well-kept. In fact, the purpose of the shrines as gateways for the gods of Nature seems to be forgotten. My apartment is luckily very quiet, and in a secluded street, but just down the road and round the corner is a bustling centre of shops, theatres and restaurants.
Yesterday was my first working day, and I delivered the first 4 Munay-Ki rites to one student, and the first 6 to another. This is by no means the way I would normally wish to do it, as anyone who has received the rites from me knows, but these girls had come from many different parts of Japan to receive the rites and come on my workshops. To say they were buzzing at the end is quite an understatement!
I have been pondering on the reason why everyone is so excited about my being here. I guess it is a little like the way we in Britain regard ancient Native American wisdom teachings today, and likewise in the late 1960s Indian Spiritual traditions inspired us. Somehow it seems that somewhere down the line we lose sight of our own traditions and wisdom. There can be many reasons for this. It could be the introduction of a new Spiritual or religious belief system, scientific evolvement, invasion followed by occupation, or defeat in war. All these things can result in such feelings as confusion about the tribal and national identity, humiliation, shame, anger and suppression of personal and national pride. Our base chakra or Serpent archetype becomes diminished, and in order to survive we look outside ourselves and to other cultures to ostensibly re-establish our identity.
Something to discuss at a later date, perhaps, as I get to discover more about my gentle and genial hosts. I welcome anyone else’s opinions on this.
Until next time then, when I hope to have taken some pictures.
Love and Blessings
xxxx
Hi Sue,
I didn’t know you were off to Japan! I’ve been drawn to it for years and have been thinking about visiting a lot during the year, how fascinating. How long will you be there for? I’ve taught lots of Japanese students over the years and have found that most of them have been very hesitant to discuss religion at all. One student said she would decide whether she was Christian or Buddhist later in her life, when she had to decide which kind of ceremony she would prefer for her funeral!! Several told me there was a great deal of trauma associated with religion, due to the war – the Emperor being the head of the Shinto religion, the soldiers were fighting directly for him as both head of the country and the religion and the Americans forced them to suppress Shinto after their defeat in that war, so there are lots of negative associations involved. It will be interesting to hear what you pick up from those you are seeing. Lots of luck and enjoyment, Tracey x
Hi Sue, Glad to hear you arrived safe. I look foward to reading all about it and of course see lots of photos.
Your one very brave lady to go there all on your own, I take my hat off to you .
Hope to hear from you soon .
Love always to you my special friend XXXX
Glad you arrived safely, even though you had a delay.
Sheila
Dearest Sue
It sounds as if you are having a wonderful time ; the students must be soaking up your knowledge and wonderful energy like sponges! Fab photos too!.
I think that a collective of ravens are referred too as a “storytelling” – need to double check, perhaps someone else can confirm?
I had coffee with Brenda today which was lovely although you were much missed.
Sending you blessings and much love dear one.
Rache x
Hello Dear Rache,
Susan, who used to do my garden, says a collective noun for Raven is “An unkindness.” I like “A storytelling” better!
Oh, I wish I had been there to have coffee with my dear friends. Perhaps we can do it when I get back.
I hope things are well with you, Dear One.
xxxxxx