Querencia

Ever wish that you could go to a place were you could just relax and forget your worries?  Or  a place you could go to bring back good memories? Well this wish was granted for me when I first wnet to the Tenrikyo temple.

I first went to the temple during my fourth year in judo.  I had just been selected to play in the junior olympics that would be held in Florida.  The church had decided to hold a blessing for the players that would be going to compete in the mainland.  When I first stepped onto the cold wooden floor with my barefeet an overwhelming presence i can not describe came over me.  The sweet aroma of insence burning, the ringing of the gongs and the chant of prayers being hummed by revrend and bishop sato made the presence grow stronger.  After the prayesrs bishop gave us a blessing and words of wisdom to remember on the tripp.

The next week we left for the tournament.  The team was ready and itching to play and twitchin with excitement.  On the day of the competition all the excitment seemed to dissappear and transform into nervousness and worry.  As we stared into the crowds of competitior filled with diffent quantities of races we became more and more nervous.  As Sensei Chow looked at us sensing the nervousness, he said only five words " Remember the words of revrend"  At that moment I closed my eyes and the voice of bishop came into my head " Clear your mind."  I took a deep breath and stared into the crowd agian this time looking at them just like they were normal humans. I had a mindset the said I can do this.  When it was my tuned to compete I stepped onto the cold tatami mat and was ready for my opponent.  By the end of the day i had won eight matches contributin to the twelve gold medals we took home that day. 

When we landed at the airport hugs, kisses and leis were given to us. I had never appreciated hawaii so much.  The next day I went to the temple. The same smell and soudns were there, the only difference I felt was the presence. I could finally describe it. Peace.  It was something I had not felt in a long time. Now I gao there once a year just to feel that presecne and to alway bring back the memories that will stay with me for life. 

my place of peace

The tenrikyo temple, a quiet peacful and calming place.  Just hearing the sound of the gong ringing before i go through the door turns me into a whole new person.  I seem to become one with nature and so peaceful that I can do anything.The burning but sweet aroma of incense and the humming and praying of revrend mel and the other members add up to this wonderful place.