In 2002 I was fortunate enough to work at Shikoku Gakuen University in the tiny city of Zentsuji. The latter being the birthplace of the famous Zen monk 'Kobo Daishi'.
The temple is a beautiful place infused with spirit and life. I daily practiced meditation in the gardens and played Tai Chi. Like most temples it sells religious trinkets but has also a wonderful wood pagoda and in the spring season the priests throw mochi cakes from high up to the throngs waiting underneath. If one catches a mochi cake its good luck.
Here is a link to the temple and Kobo Daishi. (also known as Kukai)
http://www.zentsuji.com/english/
If you would like to read about the island I suggest Japanese Pilgrmage by Oliver Statler
Below is the temple Zentsuji at dawn.
The temple is a beautiful place infused with spirit and life. I daily practiced meditation in the gardens and played Tai Chi. Like most temples it sells religious trinkets but has also a wonderful wood pagoda and in the spring season the priests throw mochi cakes from high up to the throngs waiting underneath. If one catches a mochi cake its good luck.
Here is a link to the temple and Kobo Daishi. (also known as Kukai)
http://www.zentsuji.com/english/
If you would like to read about the island I suggest Japanese Pilgrmage by Oliver Statler
Below is the temple Zentsuji at dawn.
