Haiku Excursion to an Azalea Temple

Togaku-in Temple, Kawasaki

I visited Togaku-in Temple, a well-known azalea temple in Kawasaki, with the members of a haiku society. The azalea trees were in full blossom that day.

"Haiku" is the shortest poem in the world.

It consists of 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 line pattern, and the subject-matter comes from nature and everyday life.

Each haiku contains a seasonal word called "kigo". As kigo is closely associated with Japanese nature and way of life, it indicates a specific season in each poem and provides the readers with a vivid image which the poet intends to read in the haiku.

I am a haiku poet and a member of a society named "Shunto". We meet once a month to read, share, and enjoy haiku.

We occasionally take a trip to temple, shrine, and garden to find theme for haiku.

Zen Meditation Session at Engaku-ji, Kamakura

Kojirin, Zen Meditation Hall

I attended a Zen Meditation Session at Engaku-ji Temple in Kamakura.

It is offered every Saturday afternoon and open to public for free of charge.

One hour session includes an entry guide, a trial meditation, a sermon by a monk, and an actual meditation.

Zen is one of the sects of Buddhism.

It teaches that enlightenment can be achieved through strict mental and physical practices

such as "zazen" or zen meditation.

Zazen is a type of religious meditation performed while seated on a cushion with crossed legs and folded hands.

Zen influenced various Japanese traditions like the tea ceremony and ink wash painting called "sumie".

Bean-Scattering Ceremony in Asakusa

Sensouji Temple, Asakusa

A day before the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar, usually February 2

or 3, is called "Setsubun" (literally means a turn of seasons). That day, bean-scattering ceremonies are held at shrines, temples and homes in the belief of bringing in good fortune and driving away evil spirits. 

I visited Sensouji Temple in Asakusa to watch the ceremony, where a number of men who were born in the same Chinese zodiac as the current year stood on the stage and scattered beans towards the crowd, shouting "Out with the devil! In with good fortune!"
The event gave me some idea for "Haiku".

Back at home, my wife and I scattered beans in and out of the house, saying the same phrase aloud.