I had the opportunity while living in Okinawa and then again visiting Okinawa in 2011 to visit the temple.
The temple was built in 1502, and houses ancient manuscripts gifted by the King of Korea to the King of the Ryukyuan Islands.
I hope you enjoy the picture and the accompanying poetry.
Crossing to Benzaitendo
A leap of faith, a step of hope,
crossing to Benzaitendo.
A traverse of an ancient moat
along a bridge of stone I go.
In search of bygone manuscripts
gifted from a long dead king.
The words were whispered from his lips.
“Behold the truth” an angel sings.
What secret will the words unveil?
Will I return a different man?
My eyes will see, my mouth will tell
the mystery of this ancient land.
In the center of the temple
lay the book upon a stone.
It’s binding worn and simple,
it’s pages brown and over-worn.
As I read aloud with every breath,
the words passed down spoke loud and clear;
the joy of love, the pain of death,
the knowledge of five thousand years.
The wisdom of the erudite king,
to follow in his righteous plan.
It’s love, it's trust, it's everything.
It's how we treat our fellow man.
A choice to make, yes you must know,
to do your best and lend a hand.
Crossing to Benziatendo…
my journey to a foreign land.Shinjichi nu ada nayumi
