Thursday, February 12, 2015

Trip to Fuji Sanctuary November 6th – 16th 2014
There are photos on my Facebook page if you’d like a browse

 Jenny & Dot at Milkland



It was an incredible delight for me to bring to fruition this visit by eight of us to Fuji Sanctuary to join celebrations of Goi Sensei’s birthday (actually November 22nd) having first received inspired ‘knowing’ during meditation twelve months before that.

Funnily enough, when I got to Milkland where we settled into the two last bungalows, I found out from Taku that the bungalow I was in was the one my son Nathan & wife Paula had when they were there in 2002!

It was a whirlwind, power packed eight days on the ground, fitting in experiences most would not receive in a lifetime of associating with Byakko. We were deeply blessed and honoured for our trip, with the most incredible love flowing to us, through us and around us all the time!

 There were two elements I will write about from my personal experience. One was being asked to contribute the talk to the members after the Flag Ceremony. This was to be on the topic of how Goi Sensei had come into my life and how that had impacted on my whole life. Posters of photos, with English/Japanese captions, and other elements were on display, as well as a Power Point presentation of ‘work’ photos running quietly in the background for the 40 minute session. Yumiko Sasaki from the States was my most wonderful interpreter and I bless her presence in so ably conveying my message to the Japanese members. I am also deeply appreciative to those who made this possible for me to share.

The Tea Ceremony with Stano's wife Mitsuyo was a profound experience for me as I feel I got the spiritual essence of it.
We walked from Bekkan in mindfulness, connected to everything and I recalled a wonderful teacher who had had told me years ago that when I walked, etc, I WAS the wind, the trees, etc.
As I walked into the room I made a conscious decision to really be aware of everything with all my senses.
As Mitsuyo began to wipe the first bowl, suddenly I was the bowl, feeling her wipe me out with the cloth! This just continued to evolve as the ceremony progressed.
I was first to receive my green tea and as I began to drink I was suddenly a Heian women and could feel the long hair and the flowing layers of kimino. I kept getting the words, “I have done this SO many times before!” I got very teary and had to take a long time to drink the tea.
Eventually I was experiencing being the bowl as she whisked the tea as well as the whisk! I was the kettle, but also the water pouring out.
Eventually I was the cloth she used to wipe the bowl, feeling every touch she made on it, every fold as if I was it!!!! I was still also the Heian woman. At times I got an image of a Samurai warrior in battle dress.

I have never ever experienced anything like this connection before!!!!!!! Jenny Funston

I was first introduced to Byakko by Bev, a Byakko Satellite member. She gave me some information on a Byakko workshop to be held on the weekend, at Cobbin Farm by Jenny Funston. I was on my way to visit one of my daughters so I laid the leaflets on the passenger side of my car. When I arrived at Angela's place, I looked at the seat next to me and the sun was shining brightly on Goi Sensei....I knew that this was a sign for me to go to the workshop. The workshop was amazing...we did the INs and wrote mandalas. I began to do lots of mandalas with my grandchildren. I do mandalas for people who are ill and send it out to them and find this gives them lots of comfort. There are so many tools that BYAKKO gives us to make a better world...a HEAVEN ON EARTH!
My time in Japan has been absolutely magnificent. I loved being with each and everyone I met. I felt a deep connection and an overflowing of pure love. The Byakko Sanctuary is a sacred place....Heaven on Earth. I have taken it home with me in my heart. I look at all the photos and I feel I am with you still. I am diligent with my prayers because I see what the prayers have done, especially on the prayer field and the Honkan...all the scrolls. All of the Sanctuary radiates a magnificent brilliant light. Thank you Masami Saionji and your lovely daughters...it was a great honour to meet you and to be a part of Byakko. I will be planting a weeping cherry in my garden in honour of you and your mission of creating Peace on Earth. Infinite love and blessings, Liz 



One of my abiding memories of my stay in Japan would have to be Mt Fuji who dominated the landscape every day with her strong majestic presence and serene beauty which excited us all. Testimony the many, many photos we all took. 
Secondly the staff and visitors whose smiling faces and kindness we encountered throughout each day always made us feel welcome and a natural part of the Sanctuary. Who will ever forget our two gracious and fun guides, chaperones and mentors, Taku and Stano who helped make each day run smoothly and our endless trips in cars and “Homey” the well-worn work horse of the fleet.
The energy of both the prayer field and Prayer room still stays with me. What a wonderfully energetic and spiritual way to start any day with 9 am prayers. Though it rained on the day of the ceremony, to me this added to the atmosphere and showed me the dedication and love the Japanese people have for Goi Sensei. In turn it strengthened my resolve to continue playing my part in this beautiful upliftment of humanity.  I am still processing my time in the Pyramid and am very grateful for the privilege and opportunity to spend time in such a sacred space.
I give great good thanks for and to the many dignitaries we met at Fuji who gave of their precious time for us. Lastly I sincerely thank my 7 companions for their love, support, understanding and laughter we shared. I may not have the opportunity to visit Fuji Sanctuary again, though “never say, never”.  However, the place, the people, the experience, is imprinted in my DNA and my very essence and I ask for no more than this precious gift.   With Infinite Gratitude Babs 

There were many highlights of my time at Fuji Sanctuary. These included meeting Masami Saionji and her daughters, participating in the ceremony, meeting the directors and also Tanak San.  Sometimes I could feel the "energy" strongly, both with certain people and certain places eg. the "prayer room" in the Bekkan and also the Honkan.
 When we did prayers for each country on the prayer field my emotions spilled over and I had tears (but I'm not sure why) at Egypt and also at Nicaragua. Other times when I shed tears (eg. prayer time in the Honkan and also in the Pyramid) it made me feel very connected to my guardian deities and guardian spirits and I felt immense gratitude and humility.  What a beautiful place and what beautiful people are there at Fuji Sanctuary!! Dot 

Trip to the Land of the Cherry Blossom and Fuji San

The question, what are the highlights of my recent trip to Japan and Fuji Sanctuary is like asking which of my children I love more!  There were many, many highlights; in fact the whole trip was one continuous highlight in my journey through Life.  Every experience brought its own unique experience, delight, joy, wonder, and even at times, challenge.
These are some of my treasured memories, in no particular order, just as they surface as I write:
  • The people: All those who worked hard at creating a full and diverse itinerary for our visit and warmly welcomed us at Fuji Sanctuary.  The cheeky, youthful Stano, who continuously and simultaneously, kept an eye on us and on the time. The reserved and exhausted Taku, who also watched over us and chauffeured us.  They both were bombarded with many questions like; “What does this say?” Where are we?” What is this called?” “How do you say…?”  “How do you turn this on?”  “How does this work?”  “Where do we go next?” “Why does someone do that”?  “What is the custom?” and so on ad infinitum times seven of us. No wonder they were exhausted!  More so Taku, because Stano opted out by answering, “I don’t know.  Ask Taku.”
It was a privilege to meet Masami Saionji (twice!); briefly on the path to the prayer field prior to the Ceremony and later in the Honkan, along with Rika, Maki and Yuka.  I appreciated her taking the time from her busy schedule to show us her appreciation of our support in Australia. I could see how this meeting left a memorable impression on all of us.
Meeting with Naya San and the Directors was also a privilege and delight, appreciating that they had other commitments and time constraints as well.  It was wonderful to see Tanaka San again and hear his words of wisdom.
The Ceremony Day:  Rehearsal in the rain.  Fantastic!  I could share some of the weather phenomenon that members have experienced for many years, sitting out in all conditions.  I embraced the rain.  And it embraced me too, as I was soaked to the skin even through two raincoats and an umbrella!
Being part of the children’s flag ceremony was delightful.  The children were so sweet I wanted to hug them all!  I was honoured to carry the flags of my heritage (Italian and Ukrainian) in the procession and I appreciate the organization required to arrange us Aussies to carry particular flags. (Thank you Taku).  Afterwards we all received a bag of sweets, including the children!
So many memories; the foods stalls, the dancing, the colours, the children’s faces and their pretty raincoats, the rain (so thick and soft that you could hardly see it but it’s effect soaked right through), the rain stopping just as the flag ceremony began, the goodwill and joy of those present……….
I was overawed at the privilege of writing 'May Peace Prevail On Earth' on the scrolls downstairs in the Honkan.  I felt the countries Guardian Spirits with me as I wrote in the national languages and shared daily morning prayers.  They both reinforced to me the great work, dedication and love, that is continuously sent to all of humanity and I am humbled.
The Tea Ceremony: Mitsuyo conducted a most beautiful and elegant Tea Ceremony for us with the help of Toshiko and Tazuko.  It was awe inspiring.  I felt greatly honoured.
The food was amazing!!  So fresh and plentiful and all seemed to have the energy of love and joy and passion in it.  Especially that which was served at privately owned restaurants like Eichi No Mura and others I do not know the name of. Some places looked quite unassuming from the outside but was a heart-warming surprise inside. I loved the hospitality and homeliness of the restaurants.  The hosts treated us like guests in their homes. 
The day off into the countryside was amazing.  The Shiraito Falls, the market stalls, the enchanted Aokigahara forest, (with the gnarled, exposed, mossy roots of trees veiled by the mist), the replica village of Saiko Iyashi no sato Nemba with its traditional crafts, Fuji Sengen Jinja shrine and the onsen (relaxing in the warm waters of the rock pool under the night sky and the twinkling stars), the persimmons and giant daikon radishes drying on racks under verandahs, and so much more…
Sharing the room at Milkland with my spiritual sisters and indeed sharing the whole experience with my sisters was a joy.  Even Jenny san was joyous to be with, whip et al.  I love how we are all free to be ourselves and we are all accepted and loved just as we are.  There is no judgment between us.  Sometimes observances, but always tempered with unconditional love.
I have to mention the beautiful big stripy orb spiders.  I noticed them on my last visit to FS.  They and their huge webs seemed to be everywhere.  On the bushes up the Seven Stations Path, under the eaves and lamp posts at Milkland, all over.  They seemed quite placid and content.

The next highlight I shall mention is by no means the last but certainly was very much enjoyed; Fuji San.  The beautiful Mt Fuji seemed to come out and play with us, showing us her many expressions and faces. Her changing colours as the day progressed and even under the moonlight she stood majestic and ever present, (one particular night with a huge half-moon hanging belly side down on her eastern flank.)  She seemed to come towards us, wanting to share her spirit with us.  She was certainly much admired and much photographed!
These are just some of my memories. 
These experiences cannot be related in true accuracy as feelings and emotions are too subtle and profound for words.  Suffice to say I am very happy to have taken this trip and deeply appreciate everyone’s input, support and love. 
Infinite Gratitude, Infinite Love    Silvana 

Goi Sensei’s birthday celebration stands out as the most significant day of the trip; so many things to absorb that day.  Meeting Masami Sensei was an extraordinary privilege and an unrivalled highlight, and I think this left a deep imprint on the group.  “Nothing is by chance”, she said.
Jenny’s speech was also very moving and highlighted the collaboration she has driven for many years within and outside Byakko.
The flag ceremony was great fun and the energy of oneness was overflowing. The weather was hardly noticed! The dancing was great too.
The Pyramid was total peace and I have written about that elsewhere; again aware of the enormous privilege.  The Tea Ceremony was sublime and the nuances of this are still being pondered!
I loved the energy in the Dojo, during and even without prayers.  Writing on the great scroll was humbling. Walking around the sanctuary was a delight and beckoned further exploration.
The day trip on the Wednesday was spectacular on many levels.  All the gorgeous places were captivating; loved everything.  The prayers at the caves were very powerful.  The old village was tantalising and every house offered its own particular enticements.  Overall a great sense of Japanese art and culture.  The Yurari Onsen was beautiful and also a lovely experience; surprisingly little shyness!
Our ‘handlers’ (J) were a delight and exceptional in their guidance and patience (and forgiving of our faux pas! (plural)).
All the eating places showcased a different culinary experience.  All were superb. Thank you Stano!
Again, it was a tremendous privilege to meet with the Board and have their undivided attention; A short but powerful experience.  The meeting with Tanaka san was lovely and relaxing yet illuminating and practical.  The special INs on both occasions were very much appreciated.
Saturday had a tinge of sadness but we could not have hoped for a more comprehensive experience and there is much to integrate and meditate upon. Our Infinite Gratitude to Stano for his fabulous attention to detail and gentle yet firm guidance, and humour; Also to Taku for his beautiful energy and perfect chaperoning, a delight.  They were both great fun.
I sincerely wish to return to Fuji Seichi and deepen my connection with all that is there and All That Is; Infinite Love and Gratitude.   Anda 

I lie awake in the still of the morning, thinking …beside me is Mt Fuji and her magnificence.
How will this journey play out, what will be presented, what will be learnt, what will come up to vanish away are just a few of the thoughts passing through my consciousness.
 So delighted that I am here, having walked the Seven Stations in 2002 placing my wish of return to the Sanctuary. Here I am.
I along with the Aussie members (eight in total) are excited, energized and preparing  for the entering into the Pyramid and attending the ceremony of Masahisa Go’si Birthday.

The Sanctuary of course offered so much more. It is a place filled with energy, love and light, a place where we all can come together to pray for peace and harmony.
It is a centre for transformation of human consciousness; it gives us the skills and the tools and it is up to us how we use these.
 Taku, Stano and Nicole go way beyond being our guides; they are beams of light, love and joy; sincere, knowledgeable, and patient with us all.

I am so impressed with the eco toilets as it represents everything that the Sanctuary stands for. I give gratitude to the people who generously made the donations and the members who made this structure possible.

The two places I feel most connected to is the old Dojo (Bekkan) and the Prayer Hill. I feel the Dojo’s energy, the many people who have practised here and developed their inner spiritual being. It’s a place for me to learn and reflect.
However, the Pray Hill is my favourite; I walk slowly up past the seven stations that leads to the lookout. I find out later that this is the site of the first peace pole at Fuji Sanctuary. It is a quiet place of deep contemplation. I visit more than once to pray, to absorb the amazing views of Mt Fuji rising into the sky before me.
 I cannot take my eyes off her she draws me in … the energy, the beauty and her power.
She is nature herself feeding my soul, when I look at her it transforms me into a meditative state. I have learnt so much and there’s so much more to learn.

 Fuji Sanctuary and this sacred mountain enables me the privilege where I can glimpse the calm stillness that lies at the heart of Japanese culture.

  May Peace Prevail on Earth    Chrysanne 
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