Busy days pass by in the blink of an eye.
Why not take a moment to pause those hectic times?
By tracing the words of the precious sutra one by one, you can experience a time to care for yourself who is doing your best every day.
This experience is the 'Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai' (Kannon Sutra Copying Session) that can be experienced at the small temple 'Honju-ji' in Mabi.
Even for just a little time, why not sit in a quiet space and have a dialogue with yourself while copying the sutra?
I also participated in the 'Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai' to reflect on myself in an extraordinary setting, and I refreshed both my mind and body.
Quietly sit and trace the characters
Every third Saturday of the month, from 9 AM to 5 PM, the main hall of the small temple 'Honju-ji' (also known as Gojokko-ji) located in Hattori, Kurashiki City, is open for the 'Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai'.
No reservation is needed, so you can visit anytime during the hours.
It has been ongoing since 2012, and this year (2023) marks the 11th year.
The temple's priestess, Myoki, will carefully teach you the etiquette and how to copy the sutra once you enter the main hall.
The Buddha taught that by seeing, hearing, reading, possessing, and copying the Kannon Sutra, your wishes will be fulfilled.
The Kannon Sutra is a precious sutra that teaches the good deeds of Kannon.
By copying the sutra, you can cultivate a pure heart, gain peace of mind, and develop patience and concentration by completing the writing.
It is said that you can also challenge copying the sutra as a way to release stress and heal yourself.
The tools are provided by the temple, and all you need to do is trace the model, so anyone can easily participate.
Focus and face yourself
Focus and face yourself. You can experience it even for just a few minutes.
Everything you need is provided, so you can participate hands-free.
The participation fee is as follows.
- Model sutra copying paper set: 1,000 yen
Even beginners can feel at ease as they will be carefully taught at the beginning.
Once you enter the main hall, you first wash your hands and rinse your mouth to purify your body.
On your seat, a writing board, weight, and brush pen are provided, so find a spot you like and start writing.
When I started writing, I was alone, but by the time I finished, three more people had come in.
Everyone was quietly progressing at their own pace.
It's nice that you can take breaks and not worry about time while progressing.
After focusing, relax with delicious tea
The reason I participated in the 'Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai' is that I wanted people to know there is a place to experience sutra copying in Mabi.
When I asked the other participants where they were from, many were from outside Mabi.
Before the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, there were people who used to live nearby but now live elsewhere and said they hadn't been able to come for a while but finally made it.
Among the stories I heard, I was surprised to coincidentally meet the mother of a classmate I hadn't seen in decades.
Easy to participate as you can proceed at your own pace
At the end of the sutra copying, tea and sweets were prepared for us.
A menu was also provided, and you can feel the spirit of hospitality.
People who have finished and those who are about to start can mingle and chat while drinking tea.
Even though it was our first meeting, we could easily chat about "I've written this much" or "What number am I on?" thanks to our common experience of sutra copying.
After focusing, there is a small sense of accomplishment that feels good.
I appreciate the moment to take a breath while feeling the relief after copying the sutra.
You can also take a break outside the main hall even while in the middle of writing.
The scenery before starting and after finishing may look different
If your concentration wanes and you feel tired, it's okay to put down your brush and take a break.
While you can't wander around, I recommend taking a close look at the inside of the main hall.
The sparkling canopy hanging from the ceiling is refreshing as it is not something you see every day.
It might be nice to step outside for a moment and breathe in the fresh air.
You can also try ringing the bell or enjoy the view of Mabi from the garden.
Conclusion
It seems that it has been 10 years since the Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai started, and this year (2023) marks the 11th year.
I intentionally made time to participate, stepping away from my busy daily life.
Even if you don't understand the meaning of the Kannon Sutra, there is a feeling of emptiness in your mind as you carefully trace each character.
Whether it's a few lines, half, or one sheet, it's important to clear the small goals you set for yourself.
Being able to progress according to your schedule is also a key to continuing.
After finishing two sheets of sutra copying, there is a section to write your wishes.
The wishes will be prayed for by the priest during the 'Nokyo-kai' in December while chanting the sutra.
The 'Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai' that can be experienced at the small temple Honju-ji in Mabi.
Even for just a little time, why not sit in a quiet space and have a dialogue with yourself while copying the sutra?
It's also important to cherish the time to reflect on yourself.
Data on the Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai
| Name | Kannon-kyo Shakyo-kai |
|---|---|
| Date | Every third Saturday of the month From 9 AM to 5 PM, anytime. |
| Location | 1587 Hattori, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Model sutra copying paper set: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Honju-ji, the Gojokko-ji temple in Mabi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
