Shiho Yamashita

Temple Stay is truly the ‘prosperous ordinary'.

Changes in consciousness and body and awareness

Awareness

(i) Immediately after I arrived, I was loudly exhorted “You’re too quiet!” I thought I was prepared for Temple Stay to be a harsh place, but even so, I realised that I was still perceiving it in my own selfish way, and I felt I was able to get a glimpse of what this place would really be like.

(ii) A time allocation that is not part of my daily life, a depth and quantity of quality in terms of activities, meals and care for others, a life where I just continue to be mindful of every corner and reward and appreciate every moment. At first it was difficult for my body and mind to get used to it, but that lasted for about two days, and by the end of the third day I found myself naturally taking it all in and thinking, “Next time, I will do this even better”.

I had always valued the idea of “when in Rome, do as the Romans do,” but I realised that this was only superficial. I realised that if you experience everything until you are convinced and feel it in your heart, your body will naturally move beyond the small world of “follow” and the desire to improve is born, and the cycle will be comfortable and successful.

(iii) I tried to imagine the appearance of a monk, and for the past week I did not put on any make-up, which I do every day, and I only kept my hair neat and my clothes as colour-controlled as possible. At the same time, I realised that I had been so focused on the outside that I had not focused on the inside.

I was impressed by the way the disciples, even when they were busy, always dressed themselves after returning from their work, ate their meals in a neat manner without making a sound, put on their robes in a short time when it came to ceremonies, and always kept their posture straight. We were reminded that true beauty is the result of focusing on the inside, and we also learned about the original meaning of washing and bathing.

(iv) I realised once again that not a single one of our encounters was in vain and had meaning. As Osho Taigu said, what we cannot achieve alone, we can achieve if we have the heart to cooperate with our friends. I realised keenly that this requires the softness of heart to dive into the core of oneself and also to accept others. I could clearly see that it is only when there are other people that the outline of ‘self’ becomes visible.

(v) I realised how little ‘awareness’ I have of ‘things’. I learnt that all things – food, plants, animals, tools – have life and characteristics, and that it is up to me, the human being, to make them live or kill them.

For example, even if they become waste, we must continue to treat them with care by human hands until the very end, for example by disposing of them in the right places. I also learnt that the outcome can vary greatly depending on how much ‘awareness’ we give to each object, such as having a delicious meal or using the right tools when performing the rituals.

Body section.

(i) I developed small boils from my calves to my ankles. It is not itchy, but it is something I have never had before. It may be because I changed my diet and was sweating a lot, or it may be a turnaround reaction.

(ii) My menstruation was almost a week earlier than planned and started before the morning work on the last day. One of the other female members said the same thing. This may also be evidence of a change in my life. I was very surprised as this had never happened before.

(iii) On the day I went to the training, Chitetsu told me that my body had loosened up and that I might feel a little heavier tomorrow, which was exactly right. The next morning, I felt a heaviness that I had never felt before. But now I feel very light and comfortable.

How to make the most of this in my future life

(i) It is a straight forward life. The first thing that surprised me when I came back home was that I kept moving. I found myself moving much more than before. I was very surprised at how much less I had to sit down (I feel lighter). I am no longer slouching with my body at an angle, I am either moving with my body vertical or laying horizontally. I will continue to be conscious of this in the future.

(ii) Improved diet. I was very impressed by how good the food really tasted. I was taught that it is possible to make such satisfying dishes without using meat or fish. Based on vegetarian cuisine, you can make it any way you want depending on your creativity. I would like to enjoy and provide healthy meals for my children and my husband.

(iii) I will turn my ‘awareness’ to my inner self. In order to gain true inner strength, beauty and health, I will make a little time for meditation every day and live with a spotlight on ‘awareness’. I am sure I will see many changes.

Finally.

I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity.

Until now, I had only heard the stories from Taigu by ear and thought I had felt them in my mind and body, but after experiencing Temple Stay, I felt a sensation that the teachings had penetrated my body.

However, as a human being, the feeling may fade away again, but I will keep this week of living with the Sangha as a treasure in my heart, and I will continue to remember this feeling every time I hear Taigu’s talks, and live my life while improving, even if only slightly.

I would like to thank everyone at Fukugonji Temple, Nalanda Publications, everyone who lived with me and my family from the bottom of my heart.

One day, when I feel that I have started to fall out of control, I would like to be of service to you again. I will continue my practice until that day.

Temple Stay is truly the ‘prosperous ordinary’, and I would like those who take the Buddha’s teachings as the foundation of their hearts to experience it at least once.

I apologise for the length of this message. Thank you very much.

Shiho Yamashita