Day 185 May 13th 2007, Tranquility - Osaka to Koyasan

In sure that being sent to stay with the monks was one of the threats used by my parents when I was young to get me to behave myself. Well after arriving in Koyasan I can say it probably wouldn't have been that bad. The journey to the mountain home of Shingon Buddhism is an interesting one, about 2 hours by train south from Osaka, a cable car type train up the mountain and then a short bus ride round the mountain to the small town.

Above: View from the back of the train as we climbed towards the top of the mountain. Below: the Koi pond at the center of the Eiko-in temple were we were staying. Me outside the entrance to the temple and the third photo is of one of the temple buildings.



The temple had a very relaxing atmosphere and the monks were very friendly and welcoming. Despite my protest that my rucksack was heavy and that I should carry it to our room the monk refused, on picking it up he laughed saying "not heavy for me" I guess it must be all the Tofu. Dinner was served in our traditional Japanese room, I know it was Tofu made to a 1,100 year old recipe but that's about all I can tell you. Quite an interesting meal. After dinner the monks laid out our futons, the hard floor would apparently be good for our backs. Not quite sure yet what to make of the rice filled pillows.

Highlights: Tranquility at Eko-in