While of course I want everyone to read everything I write when I write something, I accept that this is quite a lofty goal. I’m currently writing a long form essay on Dewasanzan.com and I have a specific audience in mind, those wanting to learn about Japanese culture, and religion in particular, but I accept …

Different roles for the same thing Read More »

Put yourself out there. Make mistakes. Learn. if you don’t put yourself out there, you don’t make mistakes, you don’t learn. Putting yourself out there can be a bit of an ordeal. I would go so far as saying if there’s no ordeal, you aren’t putting yourself out there enough. We have the ability to …

What’s your ideal ordeal? Read More »

Time truly helps with healing. When you’re in a rough spot, remind yourself of this fact, and stick to your routine. As much as possible, don’t give yourself any excuses, but within reason, you still need to let off some steam sometimes. Just do it in a safe way, away from substances if possible (including …

Routine routine routine Read More »

When it comes to Yamabushi training, that’s the big question. For me, it’s also one of the most interesting parts of the training, seeing how other people interpreted our shared experience. All we can do is offer our own interpretations of the experiences, of which Master Hoshino has written books about, but what’s really important …

What’s your interpretation? Read More »

Yamabushi is a lifestyle. It’s a set of guidelines for how to live well. One of those guidelines is to go into nature at least once a year during Yamabushi training. Other than that, everything else is up for interpretation.  In previous times, the aim was to be at one with Dainichi Nyorai the Buddha …

Yamabushi lifestyle Read More »

Japan is always an interesting case study, because everything is just different. I think it's that difference that, at least initially, attracted me to the country in the first place. It's exactly because things are different that we start to reflect on our own reality. When you notice a different way of things to get …

Differences help us reflect on our own reality Read More »

Wise words from a wise friend: if you know you are going to be doing something, rather than doing it of your own accord, if at all possible, work for and set the conditions in which you are instead asked to do something. This is basically what it means to become a linchpin, to be …

To become a linchpin Read More »