During the orientation week, In September 2017, the school informed us that we would take a field trip; a few days later, the actual trip started. I was completely surprised when I found out where exactly we were going. As we passed a ticket booth, I saw the name of the place, Mt. Hiei. All along the trip there, I was wondering why was this place so significant or why did it sound so familiar. I didn’t realize where we were until close to the end of the trip, when we saw an important Buddhist treasure.
The site contains many Buddhist treasures and artifacts. Mt. Hihei is a very significant location, both religiously and politically. During a civil war in Japan, a temple was once burnt down in this place, then rebuilt. At one point in time, Mt. Hihei hosted warrior monks.
Getting hit by a monk
During our time there, we learned a little bit about Buddhism and meditation. Since I am not accustomed, my back was killing me due to the long meditation; at this point, the Monk who was telling us all about Buddhism, talked about the bamboo stick that he was carrying: He explained that its purpose was to loosen the muscles in your back, which get cramped because of the long meditations they do. He then proceeded to ask for volunteers. I immediately raised my hand, because I was in so much pain. I followed his instructions on what I had to do, and prepared myself for impact. It is amazing how 3 hits from that bamboo on my back, relieved all pain.
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| The room we meditated in |
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| My work out friend volunteering as well |
An interesting meal
Soon after this, we went to eat. The meal was interesting to say the least. I myself rather enjoyed it, but it seems not everybody shared my taste, which is great because some of my friends were kind enough to regale me with their meals.
Calligraphy
Soon after this, we went to eat. The meal was interesting to say the least. I myself rather enjoyed it, but it seems not everybody shared my taste, which is great because some of my friends were kind enough to regale me with their meals.
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| I really enjoyed this and would have it again. |
After the meal, the group split up. I went with many others to a room where we learned and practiced calligraphy, while others chose to go explore the mountain for a while.
Soon after, we also got the chance to see some of the temples and structures that the mountain has to offer.
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| Before |
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| After |
Soon after, we also got the chance to see some of the temples and structures that the mountain has to offer.
The trip was fantastic, and I met a great number of new friends. One of them now joins me on my daily workout. Great guy, and fun to be around. Another person I met, we talked for a good while about multiple topics, which gave me a different point of view on many of them.
Overall, a fantastic trip.
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Erik, a senior International Studies major, is spending the Fall 2017 semester studying Japanese in Osaka through USAC.
Erik, a senior International Studies major, is spending the Fall 2017 semester studying Japanese in Osaka through USAC.
Erik is also a recipient of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Read more from Erik at https://erikarrjapan.blogspot.com/
Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
Read more from Erik at https://erikarrjapan.blogspot.com/
Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
