Toshoji

Apologize to all who have emailed and not received a reply. My email didn't work and Toshoji does not allow internet access.

First impressions - complex and beautiful and old; a cat and constantly nursing kitten where one would otherwise step at the back door which is in near-constant use; lots of helpful people and a bit more drama than expected; a quiet, kind, and very busy teacher.

Today, six of us went to a nearby family temple to pick small sour plums. They will be salt-pickled with red shiso leaves to become umeboshi pickled plums.

Before meals and chanting and ceremonies, there is discussion about who will be where. Being a lay-person and the latest to arrive, for me it is easy. I am last. It is one of the few things about which I have no confusion so I am hoping no other lay folks show up.

During break yesterday I hiked up the mountain and found an abbots' cemetery, some statuary, and what I think is an old Shinto shrine with small brown lizards. This place has been a religious spot for at least 1,000 years, although a Soto Zen temple only since 1412. It was abandoned and experienced some looting for 20 years until five years ago when the current abbot arrived and began a restoration. One can see old and crumbling alongside brand new most everywhere.

I am so grateful to be here.