End of 2011(o^^o)！

How is everyone's end of the year cleaning coming along?

We cleaned Honbu and the Shrine yesterday and today all of us went to Gokokuji Temple where mother and Sosai is resting(o^^o)

I really want to thank each of you and thank you so much for supporting us!

Here are some picture's from the temple....

We found this cute flag of...... Aruba? Let us know where this is from! Whoever this was, we really appreciate your visit to the Oyama grave. 

This is the MAIN TEMPLE where the Dalai Lama prayed in.... is it not amazing to think Sosai and mother is resting in the temple where HIS HOLINESS visits?! 

Flag of Japan. 

The entrance of the Gokokuji Temple- By the way this is the back of my son- I still can't believe the boy I referred to as my "pea" is growing so much~~~!

Dentist.

My father was meticulous about his teeth cleaning. Brushing, flossing and monthly check up was norm for him, even ducking between his busy schedule.

He always had time for breakfast and most dinners with family, morning Uchideshi chorei (朝、礼) literally translates to morning / courtesy
and always, always brushing his teeth thoroughly after each meal.

There is a ritual my yoga teacher made us all do call Mauna. It means cleansing for a short period of time, like not speaking. This particular one I practiced a lot was to "clear the mouth". Aside from the removing the food debris, gossiping really tarnishes your mind, starting from the mouth.

When yoga practice commences- all students have washed their hands, feet and their mouths. If possible bathing is preferred. But this shows the importance of cleansing certain areas more so than others.... (o^^o)


I was always amazed by how mindful and dedicated he was to even the
most seemingly ordinary things. I guess as the saying goes, cleanliness is godliness (o^^o).

What is Shoshin?

Helloo~

So I was asked what my thoughts are on the meaning of the word
Shoshin" is. The word itself, 初心 is literally translated to "Beginning" and "Heart".

I have heard people ramble on about humility and being humble etc... etc... but I always feel the heart of Shoshin, Beginner, is that spark you feel in your being. That little twinkle of curiosity and the knowing of not-knowing is what makes us feel like beginners. Of course this leads to being humble- understanding with our heart that we are just a beginner is humbling!

Sosai always had that beginners curiosity and zeal to learn and deepened whatever he set his  mind to. Which made him a student forever. And how glorious it that? To be a teacher as well as a student (^^)/.

Merry Christmas....!

Wishing you all a very wonderful and joyous festive season...... (^^)


"Nothing on earth can overcome an absolutely non-resistant person." - Florence Scovel Shinn

In the heart of all beings, O Arjuna, resides the Lord, whirling all of them by his Maya as if they were mounted upon a machine. Take refuge in him alone with all your heart, O Arjuna, by His grace you shall attain supreme peace and eternal abode.

- Bhagavad Gita 18.61


Om Shanti, shanti, shanti....

Happy Holidays!

Yeees...! It is that time of the year- time for long awaited presents and of course... time for reflecting back on 2011 and making resolution for 2012!

2011 's been quite a crazy year for Japan. The 3/11 was a wake up call for the whole nation.

 Suzuki too he has been quite swamped with teaching new classes etc... and I have been at new work place which was a great, great learning experience. So grateful that they had a spot for me to fill in. (^^; I ain't no collegiate on law to begin with. It is preparing me for all the basis I need to move forward in Kyokushin. Saying this, 3/11 refocused what I was here to do for Sosai. The people who came forward to help Honbu were truly magical- even if Tokyo was okay, their level of concern and willingness to step up really touched us.

Some plans detoured and tanked (all for good reasons) while others popped up and offered themselves. All in all, I was happy with everything. I made new friends from here and overseas as well - maybe some frenemies too.... hahaha....

My mantra for the month is....

"I came here to be me." Robert Holden.

I wish everyone a great Holiday Season!