Sawayaka Walking in Fukuroi (2) - Wind-bells in Kasuisai Temple

Kasuisai Temple is one of the most widely known temples in Enshu or western Shizuoka Prefecture. According to their website, it was founded in 1401 and is a leading zen training dojo in Tokai district. Some of their events are very popular among local people, and now they have a wind-bell festival that will last until August 31.

Near the stairs to the temple gate, there was a signboard about booking of shojin ryori or Buddhist vegan meal. It said that you can have one from 11:00 by booking at the reception in advance (the number of available portions was limited). And the price was 1,500 yen! It was a surprise because in many cases, such a Buddhist meal of a temple is very expensive, and you have to book some days before.

I climbed up the stairs,

entered inside, and was welcomed by ringing wind-bells. It was an amazing view.

However, I hurried to go to the reception to book a Buddhist meal. To my relief, I got a ticket with “No.3” written on it.

Then, I strolled around, taking pictures.

Some shadows were colored as the wind-bells were of colored glass.

In front of the main building beyond the window-bells, I prayed that vegetarianism would spread further. I thought such a wish was suitable to make in a temple like Kasuisai that serves traditional Buddhist meals to visitors. In Japan, there are many temples that allow foods containing meat or fish to be sold in their premises in big events. To my mind, it is just shameful. (I know that Buddhist monks in Taiwan have their own TV channel and broadcast a vegetarian cooking program. What a difference!)

Kasuisai Temple has also a building dedicated to Akiba Sanjakubo Daigongen, a deity of fire prevention who was originally a monk leading an ascetic life. Near the building, there were two statues of tengu, a legendary creature that often appears in Japanese folklore. They wore a costume of a mountain monk and looked stern but also had wings like an angel.