Bro. Prasanna Perera, OMI – These days, I am reading a book called “A Concise History of Japan” by Milton W. Meyer. From the title of the book, you may already have understood its content. Yes, it is an introduction to the history of Japan, starting from traditional Japan up until the present day.
As you know, reading a history book can be boring if one does not have a genuine interest in knowing what it contains. I was a person who never had much interest in reading history books. However, I was influenced by the wonderful experiences that took place from May 6th to 8th this year during our excursion to Kyoto, which is known as Japan’s historical heart.
Indeed, the Kyoto trip was an unforgettable experience. The seven of us were accompanied by our Delegation Superior, Bro. Yagi OMI, who was very generous in taking us around Kyoto. He took great care in planning our journey and finding suitable places for our accommodation and meals.
This journey gave me a taste of Japanese history. History is the foundation of many things on this earth. Japan’s rich culture and unique society make every foreigner who comes here wonder when and how such a disciplined system developed. No wonder Japan has such a strong foundation rooted in its history.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Japanese Gardens, and Ginkaku-ji Japanese Gardens were some of the places we visited during our excursion.
It was also a time for us to relax without any hurry. Personally, I felt that these places were very sacred, and the silence and peaceful atmosphere remained strong even though there were many people around us. The moss under the trees added greenery to the environment, bringing a unique colour, identity, and beauty to the Japanese gardens.
The maintenance of each place was so meticulous that it showed how much importance was given to every small detail. This taught me how to take care of each and every small thing around me that supports my life.
When we participated in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, I learned how important respect for others is in Japanese culture. This was something that deeply touched me. As Jesus reminded us, if we wish to gain respect, we must first respect others (Matthew 7:12). The aspect of patience also shows how we prepare ourselves to respect another person.
Sometimes, I want to complete things very quickly, but this experience reminded me that every task has its own time and space. Therefore, there is no reason to hurry and make ourselves tense.
Finally, as I mentioned above, I was greatly blessed to experience the historical landmarks of Japan. These places themselves taught me how deep and sacred the traditions, culture, and society are that have been preserved for thousands of years.
The importance of protecting history was clearly shown in the way these places have been maintained with great reverence and a sense of belonging. Therefore, for me, this excursion was like a new lesson that taught me many things for my personal and spiritual growth.
