2332 - Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Caro sent me a card that they picked up on their travels to Japan. It is a photo of a water temple in the Okunoin, or the cemetery of 20 000 Monks.

Okunoin is one of Japan’s most sacred places. Located in the holy temple town of Koyasan, it is home to the final resting place of many of the nation’s most important historical and religious figures.

Koyasan was founded in 816 CE by a monk named Kukai. He created the town as the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism – a sect he himself started – and resided there for much of his long life. His writings and teachings earned him respect from many, including the Japanese imperial court. By the time of his death, he was so highly revered that even though his body was entombed in Okunoin, many believe that he lives on in a meditative state and continues to pray for the souls of those on earth right here in the cemetery.

Crossing the Ichinohashi Bridge allows entrance into the forest that surrounds the cemetery. Okunoin is the largest graveyard in Japan – it stretches over two kilometres and includes the graves of over 20,000 monks and other believers in Shingon’s teachings. A number of famed feudal lords are buried here as well, including Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Yet, the site isn’t creepy – it is one of the most gorgeous and tranquil places in the country. The stately trees and ornate tombstones truly take the breath away, allowing for quiet meandering and thoughtful meditation as visitors make their way through the trees.

Caro is from Trier, which is located near the German-Luxembourg border. It was founded by the Celts in the 4th century BCE.

Comments

3566 - Bakhmach, Chernihiv, Ukraine

Bakhmach is locarted in northern Ukraine. I'm taking this next paragraph straight out of Wikipedia: During the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 26, 2022, at least 65 units of Russian military equipment moved through Bakhmach, with about a hundred more on the outskirts. Local residents tried to stop the convoy on their own by blocking tank tracks with makeshift objects and convincing Russian soldiers not to move towards Kyiv . One man attempted to climb onto a tank and block the road with his body (he was not hurt). However, the military equipment continued to move, and Russian forces fired several shots into the air. Слава Україні!

3564 - Kassel, Hesse, Germany

A wonderful message on this card that translates to to those wh o can wait, everything comes with time.

2352 - Cologne (Köln), North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Cologne is home to the twelve Romanesque churches. All are Catholic churches and all are found in Altstadt (old town). All were severely damaged during the 262 Allied air raids on Cologne. All twelves have been restored. St. Andreas was consecrated in 974. The crypt of the church as a sarcophagus that dates back to the third century and it holds the remains of St. Albertus Magnus, who died in 1280. St. Apostein was consecrated in the 800s. St. Cecilia was built in the 800s and it the current home of the Schnutgen Museum for Medieval Art. It still holds Catholic Mass on rare occasions. St. Georg's was built near the end of 1000s. It was extensively restored after the Second World War. St. Gerion's was established in 612. St. Kunibert was consecrated in 1247. Cunibert, the 9th Bishop of Cologne, is buried here. St. Maria im Kapital was built between 1040-1065. It was also heavily damaged during the war and restoration was finally completed in 1984. St. Maria Lyskirchem is the ...

Search This Blog