On my Kannon Pilgrimage I carried a sacred carved image of Ishin Kannon, who came to me in a miracle that could only have happened in the 21st century. Before I begin my account of my pilgrimage I want to share with you the story of how Ishin Kannon came to me.
But first, just what do I mean by “miracle”? In the West, miracles tend to be sacred events that seem to go against the laws of nature, like the loaves and fishes story of the Bible. In Japan however, there is no apparent separation between the sacred and the mundane, and so a miracle is any event in daily life that inspires a sense of awe and incredulity, such as an incredible coincidence or an event that is greatly against the odds. Any event that makes you say “Wow – that’s amazing!” might be a candidate for a miracle.
Therefore, winning lotto would be called a miracle in Japan, and in fact it is for this reason that Temple 23 of the pilgrimage – Katsuoji Temple – is called the “Winners Temple.” People come here to pray for success in business and other enterprises, to attract wealth, and to win lotto! In fact, Katsuoji was where the first national lottery of Japan was established many centuries ago. The temple has records dating back to its foundation in 727 that tell of the miracles that occured because people prayed here – including many winners of the lotteries. So if you want an amulet for help in attracting wealth or winning lotto let me know!
The story of how my Ishin Kannon came to me was just such a miracle – an event that inspires a “WOW!” response from all who hear this story… so stay tuned…
But first, just what do I mean by “miracle”? In the West, miracles tend to be sacred events that seem to go against the laws of nature, like the loaves and fishes story of the Bible. In Japan however, there is no apparent separation between the sacred and the mundane, and so a miracle is any event in daily life that inspires a sense of awe and incredulity, such as an incredible coincidence or an event that is greatly against the odds. Any event that makes you say “Wow – that’s amazing!” might be a candidate for a miracle.
Therefore, winning lotto would be called a miracle in Japan, and in fact it is for this reason that Temple 23 of the pilgrimage – Katsuoji Temple – is called the “Winners Temple.” People come here to pray for success in business and other enterprises, to attract wealth, and to win lotto! In fact, Katsuoji was where the first national lottery of Japan was established many centuries ago. The temple has records dating back to its foundation in 727 that tell of the miracles that occured because people prayed here – including many winners of the lotteries. So if you want an amulet for help in attracting wealth or winning lotto let me know!
The story of how my Ishin Kannon came to me was just such a miracle – an event that inspires a “WOW!” response from all who hear this story… so stay tuned…
Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteC Harmer
Dearest Cate,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey with us and being the pilgrim to carry our hopes, our dreams and desires to Katsuoji Temple. I have shared my home with Japanese students over the last two years and have developed an interest in Japan's landscape, Japanese culture, family structure and spirituality. I thank you for guiding me to Kannon for wealth and prosperity.
Last night I retired early to my place of comfort and replenishment that is my beautiful bed. Just as I began to move slowly down my body releasing any tension from the day, a loud cricket began to sound like a Buddhist Monk chanting. I have never had one in my room before and went to collect a book relating animals to energetic shifts. The cricket (family friend of the Grasshopper) represents 'Good Fortune'. I lay listening to the sound as it reverberated around the room sending me into a deep sleep.
After reading your blog this morning. I feel luck and good fortune are abound. Thank you for your blessings and may good fortune bestow you.
With Love,
Susan Smith
PERTH W.A.