Buddha – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

The Headless Buddhas of Koboyama

Susan Spann Blog August 24, 2018Buddha, Buddhism, history, Japan, koboyama

While hiking Koboyama, I passed many shrines and temple buildings, indicators of the mountain’s history and holy status. However, the most poignant of these was not identified with a roadside sign, or even set at a noticeable place along the path. About twenty minutes past the summit of Koboyama, I came across a row of carved stone buddhas by the side of the trail. Each had been decapitated–and someone had replaced their heads with stones.

Celebrating The Unexpected

Susan Spann Blog July 11, 2018July 10, 2018Buddha, coffee, Japan, kakigori, latte, travel, unexpected

When traveling, I try to remember that closed itineraries–like closed fists–are unable to catch an unexpected blessing. Although I plan my travel in advance in fairly great detail, when I’m actually traveling I try to remain alert to the opportunities for spontaneous experiences, and to take advantage of them when I can. As a result, I get to enjoy the unexpected opportunities and sites that come my way. Here are just a few from the last week’s travels:

Everyone Loves Jizō

Susan Spann Blog November 6, 2017November 9, 2017bodhisattva, Buddha, Japan, Jizo, Jizo Bosatsu

Among the most popular Buddhas in Japan is Jizō Bosatsu – a bodhisattva sometimes called “the excuse Buddha.”