日本の花見 (nihon no hanami)
the Cherry blossoms in JAPAN
It is cherry blossom season in Japan. The entire country explodes with these gentle flowering trees. The blue sky seems to rain down sweet cherry blossom petals. I’ve experienced snow here in Japan, but for once spring here with the cherry blossoms is gorgeous and alluring.
The word for cherry blossoms in Japanese is Sakura. The Cherry Blossoms are believed to exemplify the transient nature of our life and existence, because of their short blooming times. They are so loved that people flock together, spread blankets and sit under trees to enjoy the view that surrounds them. And so thus the yearly festival called Hanami or flower viewing.
I, together with my fellow FTSPians who were sent here in Japan for a business trip, was so privileged to have had shared in this remarkable event in Kyoto. It is an hour train ride from Kobe- the place where we are currently staying. Kyoto is known to be one of the tourist spots in Japan where one can experience Hanami with the different castles and temples as its background.
We visited the Byodo-in temple where we’ve seen one of the most famous views in Japan which was replicated on the back of the 10 Yen coin. Then we went to Daigo-ji temple. It was said to have been built by Rigen Daishi a buddhist monk. He planted a lot of sakura trees so that they would have Hanami parties during the spring. There we witnessed different kinds of Sakura trees. I thought that cherry blossoms were limited to the color pink but our visit in the temple proved that there are a lot of other varieties. Most varities produce light pink to pure white petals, but there are also cherry trees with dark pink or silghtly yellowish blossoms. Some of the cherry blossoms also change their colors when they bloom.
After having a great time looking at all those varities, we went to the famous Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji. There we witnessed sakura trees though not much as to the temples we visited before. We enjoyed our stay in spite of not being able to go inside because of restrictions. Lastly we visited Nijo Castle or Nijo-jo where we witnessed the “Sakura light-up.” It started at 6 in the evening as the sun sets and it ends at around 10 pm. It is an amazing place where you can just be lost with the grandeur of it all, feel the breeze brushing your face, be thrilled by the sight of the cherry blossoms.
It was a tiring day but it was worth it. I hope one day, i can experience the cherry blossoms again…but with my special someone. For sure it would be a one of a kind date.
To see more pictures, visit my multiply site: Sakura in Kyoto
2008-03-15
Rokko Island, Japan
I never imagined having my lenten recollection here in Japan. I still want to be in the Philippines during the Holy week. However, this year seems like I can’t do my yearly Bisita Iglesia and the processions held during these days. Good thing the Filipino community here in Japan initiated a Lenten Retreat held near our place. It was very fortunate too that the retreat master was a Salesian, Fr. Armand Romualdez, SDB. I am a Bosconian and a Thomasian as well, but I spent most of my years with the Salesian family that’s why I am happy to see salesians all over the world.
To start, we had the recollection in West Court 5, Rokko Island. We rode in a cool train that has no driver on it. maybe that’s the reason why it cost higher compared to other train lines. We arrived early and so we helped in preparing the place for the recollection. It was a small studio room of a condominium.
We were about more or less 30 persons that day. When Fr. Armand arrived, I introduced myself declaring I was a salesian past pupil. I’m from Don Bosco Sta. Mesa. After some chatting he mentioned that his nephew graduated in the same school. He asked me if I know Fernandez, BJ Fernarndez to be exact. Haha! Of couse I know him! He was my classmate in 3rd or 4th grade. Can’t remember exactly. Imagine?! What a small world.. but sometimes I’m thinking is the world really small or I just happened to know lots of people? eerr.. whatever.
Going back to the topic, the whole day was filled with wisdom, prayer and reconciliation with God. Our main theme is the CIRCLE of LIFE. So, from the title itself we tackled lots of issues regarding life itself. There were lots of points to remember that I can’t write it all down. Maybe some of the important points that I would like to share to you. I’ll make this in random.
- We are called not just to be stewards but servants.
- “Death gives birth to Life.” One must die in order for another being to be born.
- DAD is the one who fives away the seed of life. Therefore, he is the one who dies. This is how life begins.
- MOM is the one who nurtures Dad’s dying experience. This is how connections and new life begins.
- “Dying” is the stuff of Marriage.
- Christianity’s Principle: To be HAPPY.
- Jesus died on the cross not because he loves us. He died because he loves his Father so much and was obedient to do His will.
- A man needs 9 hugs a day for maintenance purposes.
- TRUST is the enabler of life. It is the basic energy of life.
- In the bible, Jesus said “Do not be afraid” 386 times.
- CHARACTER: integrity, intentions: and CREDENTIALS: capabilities, results defines who YOU are.
- Quitters are people who give up a day before he wins.
- Trust works inside-out. Build trust.
- SACRIFICE is non-negotiable in life. And it begets trust. It is the enchantment of life.
- GRACE builds in nature. So one must have a good nature to feel the grace from God.
- The test of a person7s character is how well he functions in times of crisis.
- We are called to be life-givers.
There are more but I think those are some of the things I can share it with you. I did had a wonderful time reflecting and reuniting with the Lord. However, sometimes it saddens me that I get to do this only during holy week?! maybe I can restructure my life and pay more attention to little things that give meaning to life than other things that is really not needed in life.
Here are some photos during the retreat:
Ma’am Fats, Fr. Armand and Me
Group Picture
Fr. Armand giving the talk about the CIRCLE OF LIFE
Merienda we had during the recollection
Me, enjoying the blessing I am receiving
May all of us remember Christ’s passion and love this holy week. God is with us always. Trust in him, he will not abandon you. May we all have a meaningful life ahead of us.
Leave a Reply