Inside a Buddhist Offering Room
Me and my son offered a prayer and a box of one of Nagoya's famous rice crackers. The altar has a large rectangular scroll with a kanji writing which I failed to ask my son about. At both sides were a vase of mint like leaves. No flowers as this particular Buddhist sect refrain from flowers and I wonder why yet I never ask why. (Those were one of the things that I just accept unquestioningly.) On the lower tier were the goodies and drinks left as offerings for the dearly departed. Then a notice caught my eyes as it was written in English. It says"Security camera in operation." I was really dumbfounded. First, the room was not more than 3 meters by 4 meters. There was a slim table and 2 chairs at one side where people can write the name for whom the offering was to be given. secondly, other than the scroll , 2 vases and goodies which I don't think would cost much, there was nothing of so great a value. There was no monetary offering hence the place seemed to have nothing of value. Not unless if the scroll i s worth a fortune. But that I don't know. So even churches have lost trust in humanity? To think that the people who came there looked moneyed and we were the only ones who were not! Really puzzling! Nevertheless, we enjoyed the day as we spent the rest of the day in the nearby city of Kyoto.
Comments (5)
Well beyond anything of monetary value, I'm going to guess the security camera is there to impede any form of desecration to the temple.
It's sad but desecration can and does happen inside holy spaces or places of worship. I don't know, but it sounds like they might simply know the reality and are proactive about prevention?
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the day with your son!
Hi Tatami
Here is the U.S., life is not like it was just 15-20 years ago. There are not many places you can go in public that does not have cameras. It is good....but like you said, sad too.