Directory: Bishamonten

Tea and the Sōrin

One of the most visually distinct forms of architecture in Japan is the pagoda. Atop the structure is a nine-tiered spire called the sō-rin, 相輪, mutual-ring. The sōrin is rich with symbolic meaning both in Buddhism and Shintō. This symbolism is evoked in the Tea garden, the Tea house, and the tools used to present Tea. The spire, sō-rin, 相輪, together-ring, is a feature of the five-storied pagoda, go-jū-no-tō, 五重塔, five-tier-’s-tower, and san-jū-no- tō, 三重塔, three-tier-’s-tower. The sōrin is composed of many aspects, here, the upper-most component of the spire is the focus as it relates to architecture, philosophy and Tea. The hōju at the top...

Chanoyu and Zen Landscapes Part 2

Humans have been attracted to mountains, or at least high places, from their beginnings. The higher the better. Kids play king of the mountain when they are strong enough to wrest it from others. Buildings soar above clouds. Every higher place beckons the climber. The view is never wider. Even in space. What is above or beyond. Japan’s Fujisan has been worshiped from the time of human habitation. It is climbed to see the sunrise, especially on New Year’s morning. Some mountains are too sacred to trespass upon. The Kanji, hachi, 八, is essentially a triangle, and the triangle with a single point upward is a symbol...

Hibashi

Among the essential utensils in Chanoyu are a pair of metal hi-bashi, 火箸, fire-rods, used by the tei-shu, 亭主, house-master, to move pieces of charcoal, sumi, 炭. The charcoal presentation in the presence of the guests, kyaku, 客, is called sumi de-mae, 炭手前, charcoal hand-fore. Different types of hibashi are used with the fu-ro, 風炉, wind-hearth, and the ro, 炉, hearth. For the furo, Sen no Rikyū preferred simple hollow steel rods with an eye-hole at the end and covered with black lacquer. Hibashi for the ro are hollow, metal rods with mulberry wood handles: kuwa-e, 桑柄, mulberry-handle. The most formal hibashi are kazari hi-bashi, 飾火箸,...