THE SUNDAY GLEANER, JULY 26, 2020 | ARTS & EDUCATION

E2PHOTOS BY AMITABH SHARMA

The wooden facade of Godaido shrine has simple lattice work – a distinct feature inJapanese architecture, that of minimalism and functionality.

SERENECONTINUED FROM E1
fro from the temple. One can see the sea
splashing on to the rocky edifice.
The intentionally precarious redbridges connecting the island to the shore
are known as sukashibashi. The gaps
between the boards are deliberate, existing to compel worshippers’ concentration
as they cross.
The wooden building has distinctive
architecture – an arched roof, a latticework façade. The work is intricate yet
simple and minimalist, incorporating
inherent Japanese characteristics.
The present building, which was built
by local ruler Date (pronounced Da –Tay)
Masamune in 1604, has aged over thecenturies, its surface bearing the distinct
hues etched by Mother Nature – saline
water, sunshine, rain, and snow.
Visitors make a beeline to the shrine,
their steps crackling on the gravel surface
as the waves splash on to the island’s
rocky surface and the sounds of the seagulls in the distance permeate the air.

NYORAI STATUESThe sanctum sanctorum is home to five
Nyorai statues (derived from Sanskrit,
ancient language of India, and used inreference to Buddha, the enlightened andthe omnipresent one), installed in 828

AD.
These statues are open for public
viewing once in 33 years, the last time in2006.
Devotees light incense sticks, foldtheir hands and say their solemn prayers
before bowing and placing the incense
sticks on a wooden container before
taking a walk around the temple, whichis small carvings of the twelve animals ofthe zodiac.
Godaido is a living example of theinfluence of Buddhism in Japaneseculture and society. Nothing ostentatious,
devoid of any flamboyant rituals, therecognition of the divine forces of theuniverse is in the fabric of life and beingin Japan. Through this harmony, thecountry has withstood natural calamities
that have struck, with Zen as their saviour
and guiding light. (Zen is a derivativefrom ancient India Dhyan, which means
deep in meditation, complete concentration and synergies of one’s positiveenergies).
March 11, 2011, is etched in living
memory. On this day, the world sat
transfixed by video feed as a devastating tsunami, which engulfed the region,
hit.
In Matsushima, nature’s fury wasminimal, locals attributing it to the divinepresence and intervention that looked
upon the people that saved them from thecatastrophic waves.
“It is the power of Jizo (theBuddhist deity, who is protector of theThe main temple building of Zuigan-ji.

Visitors read an inscription at the Godaido shrine, Matsushima, Japan.
vulnerable, especially children, travellers, and expectant mothers) and thegod of Shiyogama that saved us,” Yuasa
Tsunoda, a tour guide, said.
Godaido was unscathed. The powerof Zen, the serenity it exudes, perhaps,
calmed the fury of the tsunami waves thatstopped at the gate of Zuigan-ji temple,
which is a walking distance away.
A mystery of the unexplained formany, perhaps, but the presence of theforces of divinity reaffirmed the faithof the people of Matsushima and God’sabundant blessings.

As one walks away from this shrine,
one is blessed by the calm, soothing,serene energies, feelings that are hard toexplain, but they resonate in one’s mind,
body, and spirit.
amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com