In this obscure, out-of-the way temple, an old man stands in front of the statue of Buddha, chanting
namu myo renge kyo as a younger man waits nearby and a small cart holds a portable oxygen tank to ease the old one's labored breathing. Slowly, they circle the inner precinct of the temple, bowing at each of the imposing guardian statues.
A few people sit watching a video about the history of this temple. Like the great cathedrals of Europe, this is both living faith and tourist attraction. The gray guardians who surround the Buddha have fierce expressions. The video reveals that -- like thier ancient Greek counterparts -- they were once ornately polychromed. Today, they are merely shadows of their ancient glory.
Outside, the small flowers that have fallen on a bench and the pebble path remind me of kimono patterns.
Two small frogs guard the entrance to a shrine.
Some unidentifiable statues wear their cloths of honor behind a chain link fence, a stupa marks someone's burial place, and roof tiles teeter precariously.
Across the road, there is a small farm
In this obscure, out-of-the way temple, an old man stands in front of the statue of Buddha, chanting namu myo renge kyo as a younger man waits nearby and a small cart holds a portable oxygen tank to ease the old one's labored breathing. Slowly, they circle the inner precinct of the temple, bowing at each of the imposing guardian statues.
A few people sit watching a video about the history of this temple. Like the great cathedrals of Europe, this is both living faith and tourist attraction. The gray guardians who surround the Buddha have fierce expressions. The video reveals that -- like thier ancient Greek counterparts -- they were once ornately polychromed. Today, they are merely shadows of their ancient glory.
Outside, the small flowers that have fallen on a bench and the pebble path remind me of kimono patterns.
Two small frogs guard the entrance to a shrine.
Some unidentifiable statues wear their cloths of honor behind a chain link fence, a stupa marks someone's burial place, and roof tiles teeter precariously.
Across the road, there is a small farm
