One of the things we did today–it was actually the first thing–was visit Okunoin cemetery. There are over 200,000 gravestones here, and that’s not counting all the smaller, anonymous ones that have been buried over the centuries. The oldest monuments date back to the 11th century, and there is a newer area, where contemporary companies…… Continue reading A Cemetery Worth its Own Post
Out and About in Koyasan
Let me start by saying more about Shingon Buddhism. Basically, Shingon Buddhism, a form of tantric Buddhism that came to Japan from India via China, teaches that everyone can attain enlightenment in this lifetime, through special ritual practices, mantras, and meditation. It is transmitted personally, from teacher to student, and in this way, disciples are…… Continue reading Out and About in Koyasan
Living Like a Monk in Koyasan
Well, after many hours of travel, I finally made it to Koyosan–and it was definitely worth the trip. I took the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka, then a cab to a different subway station in Osaka, then another train to Gokurakubashi, then a cable car up the mountain to Koyosan. All in all, about…… Continue reading Living Like a Monk in Koyasan
Japan is for "Js"!
I arrived safely in Japan after a good flight–direct to Tokyo from Dulles on All Nippon Airways, flying up over northern Canada and Alaska. I left on Thursday and arrived on Friday, losing a day of my life that I will get back on the trip home, when I will arrive in Dulles 30 minutes…… Continue reading Japan is for "Js"!
On my way to Japan
I am sitting here in the shiny B concourse at Dulles, getting ready to fly to Japan. I am very excited about this trip–I think it is going to be my favorite of them all. I have been to Japan once before, but never Kyoto, which is the religious heart of Japan–full of temples and…… Continue reading On my way to Japan
Beyond Penal Substitution
I just got home from a very good, very traditionally Lutheran Good Friday service. The liturgy was excellent, as was the music. However, the strongest impression with which I left the service is how problematic it is when we rely exclusively and heavily on the “penal substitution” theory of atonement. (As the name suggests, this…… Continue reading Beyond Penal Substitution
Three Perfect Days?
Now that I am back from India, I am trying to integrate the whole experience, putting it all together in such a way that the diverse pieces form a coherent picture. For me, this is not as easy as it sounds, primarily because I still am struggling to make sense of the grueling, grinding poverty…… Continue reading Three Perfect Days?
My Last Day in India!
So today was my last full day in Hyderabad, and it was a great day, with lots of time with the family: John, Shiphra, Joshua, Joseph, Victoria (John’s mother)–and then at the end, David, Shiphra’s cousin. We started the morning going to church, of course. Their congregation is Andhra Lutheran Church, Hyderabad Parish–Lakdikapool (area of…… Continue reading My Last Day in India!
Heating Up in Hyderabad!
So, it is really getting hot here; and the heat, plus the terrible traffic adds up to not much fun trying to get around the city and see things. It’s time to come home! (Seriously, how many days can I be expected to survive without little Henry? John, too, of course! :-)Nevertheless, today was another…… Continue reading Heating Up in Hyderabad!
Out and About in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has seen an explosion in population and building in the last 5-10 years–technology, primarily; and they also just built a gorgeous new airport about an hour out of down. All good, except when it comes to evening traffic. Now, since I have been in India I have seen some bad traffic, and I consider…… Continue reading Out and About in Hyderabad
Happy Lutheran 