I saw this mendicant monk in front of a shopping mall in Hiroshima.
I believe he is of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism.
I was intrigued by the interaction, and non-reaction, between him and the passers-by.
Older peopled tended to bow as they passed him. Older people tend to bow when they pass a Jizo statue or a shrine entrance.
The Japanese, more perhaps than any other people, have developed the art of not seeing what makes them uncomfortable to a high art.
Homeless people, concrete mountains and foreigners are among the things often invisible.
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I agree with you about the Japanese art of ignoring that which makes them uncomfortable, but I found that while living in Shimane I was constantly getting extra attention because I was a foreigner.
ReplyDeleteMany would bow or smile, little kids would stare, and often I'd be asked to have my photo taken with complete strangers.
I really enjoy your blog!
Thanks!..... country folk tend to be friendlier than city folk anywhere I think
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