It has been a little over 3 months since I arrived in Japan and I have made it a point to participate in as many aikido and related events. So far it has been as schedule except for that one time were I unbelievably missed out on one event..my heart still aches thinking about it. But it has come to past and there is nothing I can do about it. Back to the event. I was fortunate enough to get a ride from a new aikido friend and the 4 of us set out on a 2 hour journey from Tokyo to Ibaraki. The company was good and conversation was jovial and candid. It gave me much food for thought about my training, especially in the area of taking ukemi.
When we arrived the shrine was already packed with people. We registered our names and gave our donation, after which we received a bento box, programme sheets and drink vouchers. As I watched the ceremony, I frankly do not comprehend most of what is going on but I understand the essence of the proceedings. There were 2 instances during the programme where the public were chanted prayers in unison. As I listened to the chanting, a breeze started blowing and I looked up to the sky. The weather was wonderful; warm and sunny. As the breeze blew, the sunlight flickered from the stream of falling leaves. I felt a sense a serenity in that moment of time and thoroughly savoured it.
The proceedings ended with an enbu performed by Waka sensei and Doshu respectively. Thereafter everyone adjourned to the vicinity of the Iwama dojo to partake lunch. I made new friends and met old ones. It was such much fun mingling around. I then went to the Hombu corner. Doshu was making his rounds and everyone was waiting to take a picture with him. I was part of the Hombu group picture but is now at pains trying to recalled whose camera it was that was used. I also took the opportunity to take pictures with some of the senseis but unfortunately the pictures came out a little out of focus. But I am glad I got to take the pictures with them.
The Iwama Dojo was damaged in the 311 earthquake last year but thanks to assistance from all over, it was restored. After taking a picture in the dojo, it was then time to go back.
I feel fortunate to be able to make the trip to Iwama to see the training ground of O sensei. As I walked around the vicinity, I try to conjure up a picture of how O sensei and his students would train and meditate day after day in pursuit of one's self journey to enlightenment. A journey that I too, am embarking upon.
