The other day, on a quiet evening with snow gently falling in the twilight, a young couple staying at Rakudo-an visited Kuwano Shrine to pay their respects.
Upon speaking with them, we learned that they had traveled all the way from Miami, USA, to visit this place.
When their interpreter asked, “It’s cold, but would you still like to visit the shrine?”, they immediately responded, “We would love to go!”, without hesitation.
It was a wonderful coincidence that I happened to be at the shrine at that moment and was able to welcome them personally.
With the help of their interpreter, I shared the history of the shrine and demonstrated the proper way to worship.
Then, we knelt together in the worship hall and offered our prayers with sincerity.
What struck me the most was how, after finishing his prayer, the young man closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and sat in stillness, almost as if meditating.
Later, I learned that he regularly listens to Gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) at home and told me, “It makes me feel very relaxed.”
Perhaps the silence of the shrine and the melodic essence of Gagaku intertwined, naturally leading him into a meditative state.
And today, through the staff at Rakudo-an, I received a heartwarming letter from the couple.
Their thoughtfulness truly touched my heart.
May this special connection continue to bring peace and happiness to their lives.
May the precious moments spent at this small Japanese shrine remain a warm memory, even in their distant home of Miami.
I am sincerely grateful for the wonderful encounter with you both.
