Once a month, I visit the residence of the chief priest.
Though only for a few hours, it is genuinely a time of training.
First, I perform the task of samu. Sometimes it involves cleaning the sacred places, at other times it involves washing and polishing the sacred object.
Somewhere along the line, I began to think that perhaps this very act also cleanses the dust and grime that have settled on my own heart and body. It took me some time to reach this realization. (Clearly, I'm such a worldly being).
Next, I chant sutras. As I am not affiliated with any new religious sect, I am chanting my favorite sutras with the priest's prior permission - the Mantra of Light and the Kannon teachings.
Finally, I am treated to a sermon by the chief priest.
To conclude the session, I have some tea and then return home.
That's the usual flow of the day.
I am newly aware of how the inspirations I get from conversations with the chief priest significantly reflect in my life.
I've come to think that having a day about once a month to reassess my own life is quite wonderful.
Today, I'm with Ai-chan (my electric car) again.
The metropolitan expressway, driven along with Ai-chan, was as comfortable as always.