It's a beautiful temple in the middle of a large wooded property, flanked by two schools - one of Japan's most famous preschools that incorporates the Reggio Emilia style of teaching that Kimie uses, run by the head priest's son, and a kindergarten run by his daughter!
On the premises, they had a fox, deer, pig, sheep and a miniature horse! I didn't take my camera, but the monk took photos of me to show me my posture (which he complemented! and said must be due to my small amount of zazen experience in elementary school with Mrs. Moore, which I'd told him about before I began).
After my zazen training (only about 20 minutes since the monk just wanted me to understand the form and meaning behind the movements and steps), the wife of the head priest, the former head of the preschool, took me on a tour of both schools! They were both newly built structures and were beautifully designed. Kimie, you would really enjoy a visit there.
Of course, I mentioned my wonderful sister, and the headmaster immediately handed me his meishi and said that I will need to introduce him to Opal! He said he'd love to visit, as there are so few schools that fully incorporate the Reggio methods.
The priest's wife also said they were looking for an English teacher for her grandson, and an English teacher for their schools, so I told them I'd be glad to help. As coincidence would have it, the grandson, the son of the kindergarten headmaster, lives in my neighborhood!
I left the temple wondering what I had actually come there for...it was just too much of a coincidence! But, I'm going back again on Saturday night for an overnight stay at the temple, with Hiro and Leia, so that I can do an early morning zazen session before sunrise.
Stay tuned!
xoNorie
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