As Takashi San and I were walking from the station to Temple 54, he commented that I had ‘big heart like Japanese’. He felt, when I acknowledged him on the train, that it was with love. Here was a person who spoke my (spiritual) language finally.
Takashi San didn’t let the cost of the taxi get in the way of completing his rituals. I noticed he was very committed and honourable so, somehow, even though it was still rushed, and even though I sensed other peoples judgement, I felt OK about being 'Taxi Henro'.
Takashi San seemed very intent to begin with, to make sure that I was doing all the right things. He commented on how quick I was. I explained that it wasn’t because I intended it to be quick but that my knowledge of Hanya Shinyo was limited to Gya Tei Gya Tei…He seemed satisfied and when I also explained that I had my own special way of doing my form of ritual, that at every temple I prayed for those who had helped me along the way, he made no more suggestions and left me to my own process.
At each of the worship places at each Temple, the Hondo and Daishido, it is customary to put a filled out name slip in the box beside the offering bins. Some very committed people wrote out the whole Hanya Shinkyo and put that in one or both of the bins.
Takashi San was one of these Henro.
At some time during the day, he presented me with one of his sheets that he had hand written out. I was very humbled and felt speechless with the honour, knowing also that he was going to have to write out another one to replace it.
Heart Sutra as written out by Takashi San
At lunch he asked where I was staying. I said I had no idea. He told me where he was staying and I asked if he could book me in too. Which he did.
I hardly remember Temples 55, 56, 57 and 58. We got to Temple 59 and completed our rituals then finished our taxi ride at a Hotel. Another HiDeHi Campers multi storied structure.
I didn’t care. I was just so grateful any time anyone booked me into anywhere. I didn’t care what it was like or how much it cost. And this one was cheap.
We booked in and paid and went to our rooms. We arranged to meet at his room at 5:30 to go to the restaurant.
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