The Clear and Simple Way

The nicest thing about Kobe was that there was a temple behind our hotel. It was painted a bright orange red with lotus blossoms and gold leaf and situated in a park like setting. I went walking along the paths, punctuated by small enclosed places for meditation, some of them occupied. I was lucky enough to be at the larger temple during some spiritual ceremony. There were 11 priests or monks chanting and doing rituals. 3 others played some sorts of wooden flute instruments. And several girls in kimonos took part in the ritual.