| There's another
image of Buddha, this time standing, in the other building, which I think
of as the Calligraphy Room, because there was an old Buddhist monk and
several lay people doing calligraphy in the room.
Just like in the
main building, I was a little anxious in case taking photographs was not
the done thing, so I took one from the doorway. No reaction
from the old man, so I stepped quietly into the room and slowly composed
this picture, watching again to see if there was any reaction.
Again nothing.
In fact, I found
that the Japanese were universally tolerant at their religious buildings.
Before I went over, I asked my cousin whether I'd have to wear long pants
and shoes when visiting shrines, like in other Asian countries.
He assured me that the ultra laid-back New Zealand style of clothing -
ie, very short shorts and flip flops - was perfectly acceptable.
I brought along some jeans and sneakers just in case, but I found that
I had no need for them. Trust me, in the humid September weather,
I was very grateful to be so lightly dressed. I might not be
fashionable, but I guarantee that I was more comfortable than all the other
tourists! |
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