We got up early, had a buffet breakfast (mostly American-style), and walked to the train station to take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kyoto.
In the afternoon, we went to the Myoshinji temple complex and were led in a meditation by a buddhist priest It was a highlight of the trip for me. It was so peaceful and beautiful. We sat on tatami mats and looked out on a beautifully maintained garden at Shunko-in Temple. Some of us had very comfortable stools so we didn't have to sit on the floor the whole time. Part of the garden is shown in the picture above and the shoji screens were open, so it was almost like being outside. As the meditation concluded, the rain started falling very softly. It was refreshing. We were given some information on the history of the temple, including a bell that has Jesuit origins. Yes, there were Christians in Japan and this particular bell is identified as being cast in 1577. We were all permitted to get a close look and ring it, if we wished to. We also looked around at the hand-painted screens and altar of the temple. It was beautiful. Maybe the fact that this was a private visit contributed to the peacefulness. When we visited the larger temples and shrines, they were crowded and beautiful...but not as conducive to contemplation. It was just our group for this visit.
We were served tea and cookies before leaving and the rain had stopped by then.
Our next stop was also very peaceful and spiritual. We went to the Ryoanji Temple, where we saw a famous rock garden. It is said to have been created by a Zen monk, Tokuto Zenketsu, in about 1500. I took this panoramic shot. We had time to sit and peacefully meditate at this garden, which was a real treat and the rain held off.
I have seen pictures of this particular rock garden many times, and it was amazing to experience it in person.
This temple also has a beautiful green garden covered with moss.
That evening, we had special dinners with the youth in the group. Each young person invited some adults to go with them and to encourage some inter-generational discussion. My group went with Victoria, a beautiful young woman who was adopted (at about age 4) from Russia. It was fun to have a traditional Japanese dinner (sitting on the floor) with her and learn about her experiences. I didn't get a picture, though.
We settled into a hotel in the Gion District of Kyoto. It was great fun to have a yukata (Japanese Summer robe) to relax in after my bath. I had to take a mirror selfie.
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