Naritasan Shinshoji Temple Taiko

The death of Daihachi Oguchi reminded me of a day I spent in Japan last year. My friend and I visited Naritasan Shinshoji Temple near Tokyo's Narita airport.

The temple grounds were beautiful. We walked by a turtle pond up to the Great Main Hall where we observed the Goma "Sacred Fire" rite. Then we walked down through Naritasan Park. It was a world away from the high-speed action of Tokyo.



We followed a shade-covered path through the woods to a waterfall and stream. It was calm and relaxing.

The path opened up to the sight of the Great Pagoda of Peace towering above a staircase and fountain.

Once we reached the top, we entered the magnificent building. There was a place for us to leave our shoes. We walked in our socks up the plush carpeted staircase to the second floor. A faint smell of incense began to fill the air. We heard the sound of chanting as we approached the altar from the rear. Grand statues and art depicting deities and saints were all around.

From the front of the main sanctuary, the view of the altar was epic. A man and woman were on their knees, taking in the Japanese Esoteric Buddhist service. We knelt down near them. A priest chanted and played a variety of instruments: gong, bells and a large taiko drum. It was incredible. The drum sounded amazing, and the passion he played with was phenomenal.

The whole experience was awe-inspiring.