Ian Ropke writes: The mountains throughout Japan are home to a very long-nosed creature known as a tengu or mountain goblin. The origins of tengu are not very clear. They can be found in both Shinto and Buddhist texts. Some scholars trace the origin of the tengu to one of the primary gods of Shinto: Susano-o, who shares many of the characteristics for which tengu are feared … [Read more...] about Tengu
Ian Ropke
Kimono Old & New
As today is 成人の日 ("seijin no hi" or "Coming of Age Day") it seems timely to post Ian Ropke's article on the kimono. First though here is a picture of some brand new adults sporting their kimono's for the day, and one other of a lady I spotted at Ebisu shrine. Ian writes... An industry caught in time An enduring and potent symbol of traditional Japan, the kimono is … [Read more...] about Kimono Old & New
Garden Stones & Superstition
Ian Ropke writes: Stones are, believe it or not, the most important feature of a Japanese garden. If the soil is its "flesh", then the stones are its "bones". Garden stones fall into three basic categories: "named" stones, unimportant "unnamed" stones, and stones which already existed on the site. The most famous named stone in Japan is called Fujito after the … [Read more...] about Garden Stones & Superstition
Mount Hiei’s Marathon Monks
Ian Ropke writes... The world of Buddhism is full of stories of amazing human feats achieved through meditation and power of the mind. In Tibet there are especially powerful monks who travel so fast that they appear to fly; they can travel non-stop for 48 hours and cover over 320 km a day! There are also stories of diamond-like crystalline substances found amongst the ashes … [Read more...] about Mount Hiei’s Marathon Monks
Autumn Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto
Ian Ropke writes: Experiencing an Autumn Tea Ceremony For many tea connoiseurs, autumn is considered to be the finest time of the year to hold a tea ceremony; the stifling hot weather has passed, and the autumn mood is sublime. The basic form and aesthetic of today’s Japanese tea ceremony is largely credited to Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), who was inspired to develop a form … [Read more...] about Autumn Japanese Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto
