Butsugenji Temple, located in Rokkaku Aburakoji-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, is holding a ``Teranomi'' event on its grounds, where people can mingle while enjoying sake. The idea was to make the temple a place where people from all walks of life could easily visit. Deputy chief priest Kazuki Aburanokoji (age 33) says, ``When you open the lid of Namazake, the taste and aroma change, which leads to the idea of the impermanence of all things.It's also an opportunity for people to become more familiar with Buddhism.''
A weekend evening in late July. About 10 types of Junmai sake from Shiga Prefecture and Tohoku are lined up inside the main hall of the temple. About 40 people, including families and people of all ages, were enjoying conversation in the 30-tatami-sized hall and garden. At the beginning of the event, Mr. Aburanokoji recited a sutra in the hall, and in his sermon, he encouraged everyone to express their individuality to the best of their ability.
It started in May last year and will be held for the 10th time this August. The number of families with small children participating is also increasing. We aim to be a place where you can feel free to drop by, so we do not take reservations. A 44-year-old office worker who regularly visits with his family says with a smile, ``When I just moved nearby, I jumped in and participated.It's been an opportunity for me to connect with people in the area.''
The event was held in January last year, when Mr. Aburanokoji appealed to his classmate at Takakura Elementary School, Takayuki Watanabe (age 33), who runs an IT company, about his feelings about temples and Buddhism. Mr. Watanabe heard complaints that ``the general public has few opportunities to experience Buddhism'' and ``the temple gates are closed,'' so he took immediate action to make the temple a place where many people could easily visit. I suggested that.
The two of them launched the "Tomarigi Project" and planned the event. A marche selling accessories and other items will be held in the temple grounds, and Watanabe says, ``I think you can do some exciting things at temples in Kyoto.''
The next "Terami" is scheduled for September 24th from 4pm to 8pm. Charges apply. Information is posted on the Tomariki Project Instagram. For inquiries, please email the Tomarigi Project at tomarigi. kyt@gmail. com
