These are lotus flowers blooming in the HOSHO-IKE Pond at ZENKO-JI Temple (NAGANO City). Although they aren’t in full bloom yet, many flowers had opened up harmonizing with the shifting of the “32nd KOU micro-seasons.” Just two weeks ago when I took my friend here, they were nothing more than buds.
The HASU flower has a deep connection with Buddhist teaching, it is depicted in paintings of paradise, and the pedestal on which the Buddha sits or stands is made of HASU flowers.
After viewing the flowers and stepping out onto the temple’s main approach, I happened to encounter the head priest as she was returning from the morning service, and performed the OJUZU-CHODAI ritual, lightly touching my head with her JUZU (prayer beads).
It surely is going to be a wonderful day!
2026/07/12 6:47 a.m.