MAM Day Seven More on Japan

I promised you a temple and maybe a castle…well maybe save the castle for another day.

One of the temples in Nagano that we visited.

On the left is a rack where cards with wishes written on them for the gods are hung. Kind of like the bits of paper folded and slipped in between the stones in the wailing wall in Jerusalem

Another small building in which to worship.

Airy and light, open to the elements but protected by the gods

Statue guarding the temple with screening guarding the statue
Lions are often found at the entrance of holy grounds to ward off evil spirits
Is that the same reason they’re in front of the New York Public Library?
In front of the temple is a big iron urn to hold incense, with a lion on top.
Here are two young people lighting incense to bring into the temple
On the temple grounds are many Buddha statues representing different aspects of the gods.

They can be symbols of enlightenment,wisdom, compassion, protection and more depending on their pose and what they might be holding

Love those little guys
They wear red to scare away evil spirits. Red can also mean good fortune and celebration
Who’s this little one with their animal friend?

Probably a Jizo statue, protector of children and travelers, and maybe lost souls or the souls of children who have died. Yellow is a symbol of enlightenment.

Many beautiful trees on the temple grounds.
I didn’t take this photo but I couldn’t resist. It was taken in Japan -I did see the owl – a great grey owl, and it just seemed to fit in with these temple photos.

With my working on my MAM posts I have definitely become a night owl. So for now good night!

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One thought on “MAM Day Seven More on Japan”

  1. lymeguidelines's avatar lymeguidelines says:

    Hi Ruthie, Your photos are wonderful. I especially liked the owl, was disappointed when I read that you didn’t take the photo, and then realized how large your eye is. You have a greater vision, and I’m happy to share it with you.

    I look forward to seeing you some day when you visit NYC.

    xoj

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