Haiku and photographs accompany Sydney Solis's journey to Tamaki Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan while on pilgrimage walking the Kumano Kodo.
Nature Divine
Inukai Mountain Hohonen Temple, Nara – Haiku and Photos
First stop on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage was an unexpected and little known one at the Inukaiyama Hohonen-ji founded by Kūkai in Nara.
‘In Japan, Nature is Our Religion’ — Mine Too
Aligning with, not destroying, nature is the future of the planet in the age of coronavirus. Japanese culture and reverence for nature show the way in the Reiwa Era.
自然 Nature & the Sacred 木 Tree: Trees that Survived the Atomic Bombing at Hiroshima
Photograph of Kurogane holly trees that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II, with commentary by Alan Watts about our relationship to nature.
Healing Waters and Haiku – Japanese Onsen at Kamiyusou, Totsukawa, Nara 神湯荘
The Healing Waters of Kamiyusou onsen in Totsukawa, Nara prefecture are a perfect stop to write haiku and rest your weary bones as you make your way as a pilgrim on the Kumano Kodo in Japan.
熊野古道 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Japan’s Sacred Trees
Photograph of trees along the Kumano Kodo, or dark path, at Nachikatsuura, Wakayama, Japan.
Faith in Nature: Forest Bathing and Mythic Yoga Journey to Mt. Atago, Kyoto
Nature heals, and forest bathing on Mt. Atago in Kyoto, Japan is just what the planet orders to heal depression and help us find our life purpose.
Ethical Travel and the Dark Side of Tourism: Avoid Elephant Rides and Chang Puak Camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand
My husband and I recently left Japan and took a one-month trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand before ending up in Singapore before returning to Osaka, then back to the USA. I have so much to digest of our trip! And the amazing effects of my three-year journey to Japan. Visiting this entire region has … Continue reading Ethical Travel and the Dark Side of Tourism: Avoid Elephant Rides and Chang Puak Camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Birthday at Kyoto Gyoen
Writers in Kyoto had its annual writing contest for a piece 300 words or less. Here is my submission! I won just by entering! I won just by writing, because it's so healing and so much fun! I am grateful to my Sensei Masasihi Nakamura for these adventures in Japanese philosophy and nature! Part of … Continue reading Birthday at Kyoto Gyoen
Heaven and Earth Really Are Flowers – Ikebana in Japan for World Peace
A good friend of mine I met when I lived in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands introduced me by email to a friend of hers. Joan D. Stamm is the author of the new book, A Pilgrimage in Japan - The 33 Temples of Kannon. It's a fabulous read for those of us … Continue reading Heaven and Earth Really Are Flowers – Ikebana in Japan for World Peace
