As I was walking downtown, I was handed this book that was written by a monk. I haven't gotten the chance to read it yet, but it was told to me that it included ideas of happiness, yoga, and fulfillment. #DrSethBuddhClass

I was there too! I thought it was super cool how these were built as a form of protecting the castle from fire (due to the fact that Himeji Castle is a wooden structure). The castle itself also reminds me of some Buddhist structures we've seen. #DrSethBuddhClass

The Great South Gate of Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan. Buddhist structures are cool to me, this one especially because when you're directly under it, you can look to your left and right and see two large sculpted guardians. We talked about guardians like these at temples in class. #DrSethBuddhClass

At Nara Station I saw deer and monks; both have Buddhist relations.The back says "よしのよく見よ,” "take a good look at Yoshino".This is cool b/c Yoshino is where Shugendo originates, which has Buddhist ideas like proving one's discipline to reach enlightenment, but with mountain worship. #DrSethBuddhClass

This Buddha statue that I visited is located in Daibutsu-den of Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan. His right hand is up, which we learned in class represents the Abhaya Mudra ("fear not" gesture). Also, the bottom is lined with lotus flowers, which we discussed as transcendence.
#DrSethBuddhClass