April 2018 – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

Fudo Myo-o and the Fudo Hall (Koyasan Part 3)

Susan Spann Blog April 20, 2018Buddhism, Fudo, Fudo Myo-o, Fudo-do, Japan, Koya, Koyasan, Mount Koya, Shingon

Founded by the monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) during the 9th century, Danjo Garan continues to function as the heart of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism in Japan. While the entire kōya (mountaintop valley) is considered a single “temple,” the complex at Danjo Garan holds many important historical structures that still serve a role in modern Buddhist worship – including the Fudō-do, or Fudō Hall. (To read this series on Koya from the beginning, click here.) In Shingon Buddhist belief, Fudō Myō-ō is an incarnation of the Buddha and the leader of the wisdom kings. He protects the living and guides them toward enlightenment.

We Interrupt This Program…

Susan Spann 1000 Summits, Blog April 18, 2018April 18, 2018#100Summits208, 100 Summits, cancer, hyakumeizan, survivor

… for an update on the 100 Summits project and my cancer treatment. I completed my last chemotherapy infusion two weeks ago today. My side effects are mostly gone, with the notable exception of my nearly-bald head, which will likely remain almost completely hairless for at least another week before I start getting “baby fuzz.” If everything goes as expected, I’ll have a little “real hair” within six weeks.

Kōya, Part 2: A Walk to Danjo Garan

Susan Spann Blog April 13, 2018April 20, 2018100 Summits, autumn, Buddhism, danjo garan, foliage, Koya, Koyasan, Shingon

Danjo Garan, the primary temple complex on Kōya, sits about two blocks from the “main street” visitor center, shops, and restaurants. Although all of Kōya is considered a single temple complex, Danjo Garan acts as the beating heart of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism. (To start this series on Kōya from the beginning, click here.)

A Visit to Koyasan, part 1: Up the Mountain!

Susan Spann Blog April 11, 2018April 20, 2018Japan, Koya, Koyasan, Shingon, shukubo, visiting koya

Kōyasan, or Kōya, is a natural basin atop a mountain in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The shallow basin (called a kōya in Japanese) sits 800 meters above sea level, and is home to one of Japan’s most sacred temple complexes (also known as Kōyasan), as well as Japan’s largest cemetery, Okunoin. In the weeks that come, I hope you’ll join me for a virtual tour of Kōya and its various sites of interest. Today, we’re taking the journey up the mountain by cable car.

The Eikan-do Garden and Shinbutsu Bunri (Eikan-do, Part 3)

Susan Spann Blog April 6, 2018April 6, 2018Buddhism, Eikan-do, Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, Pure Land, shinbutsu bunri, Shinto

Kyoto’s Eikan-do Zenrin-ji is the head temple of the Seizan branch of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. The temple sits near the southern end of the famous Philosopher’s Path, and although it’s famous for autumn foliage, the temple gardens are spectacular year-round. The photo above shows the path that leads from the gardens (and pagoda hill) down to the temple’s beautiful lake.

Once More Into the Breach

Susan Spann Blog April 4, 2018April 3, 2018blessings, cancer, chemotherapy, final treatment, joy

This morning, I head to the infusion center for my final chemotherapy infusion. Unlike so many endings in life, this one is not bittersweet. (In fact, since I gave up sugar entirely during chemotherapy, but brought a box of lemon Pocky back from Japan to enjoy when it was over, I can tell you the end of chemo will be very sweet indeed.) That said, I don’t regret my decision to undergo chemotherapy after my breast cancer diagnosis, even though my stage (1a) made it my choice rather than something I “had” to do.

Hanami and Cherry Blossom Forecasts in Japan

Susan Spann Blog April 2, 2018April 1, 2018cherry blossoms, forecast, hanami, Japan, JNTO, sakura, Tokyo

Yesterday at Murder is Everywhere, I posted a blog about the traditional hanami – “flower viewing” – parties that happen at sakura (cherry blossom) season. (Photo credit: Xyrenth – used with permission.) Cherry blossoms are such an important part of Japanese culture that the Japanese National Tourism Organization (and other media outlets) publish an annual “sakura forecast” predicting the date when cherry blossoms will open across Japan.

Month: April 2018