Trip to Fukoaka

Sitting in the airplane, waiting for the take-off for the trip to Fukoaka. The radio show is scheduled for the afternoon. Sessions, workshops, talks and media events all have become part of one single stream of situations, seemingly effortless and self-arising, for which we merely show up. Of course, guided by Keiko's astounding boundless energy, there exists an entire organization to make this all happen. Personally, I feel that Keiko's heart focus matches our own in that see too wants to see upliftment and alleviation of human suffering in the biggest way possible. This commitment is deeply woven into her soul.

The plane, a Boeing 767, is in the air right now, flying at 21,000 feet and still climbing to reach cruising altitude of 30,000 feet. I am scribbling away and Raylene is writing additional passages for the japanese version of her book. Yes, the japanase translation finally solidified last week. The publisher asked that more spiritual techniques be added to the book for the japanese book. and she is working on that right now. The book is scheduled for publication in May-June --- the Japanese creative pace continues to boggle the mind. I am ready to spend my life between Europe and Japan.

With the book scheduled for publication so very soon, the next trip back to Japan will probably be unexpectedly soon. To promote the book we will likely be here again in fall, after the France tour is completed. This is good, because Tokyo during summer time is very hot and unbearably humid.

Evening
We are currently on the 10th floor of a skyscraper in Fukoaka. We are viewing the ocean from the office of the radio station, Style FM 76.8. The sun has almost set. The radio show has been taped and will be aired next week.

Saturday 3-31
After that radio show was done, a diner was given for us. The entire atmosphere was very gentle and supportive. The hostess, Chiharu Hara, showed us the heart of her house - unusually large for Japanese standards - which was a Shinto shrine that contained objects of tremendous spiritual value.

She also invited us to meet the head priest of the major Shinto Shrine of Amaterasu in Ise, the shrine of the emperial family.

Keiko explained that something extremely extraordinary was unfolding here, because this particular type of invitation was impossible to obtain for the ordinary japanese mortal.

Something unusual was happening and it began to dawn on me that we just received an invitation to the very heart of the Spirit of Japan.

With the deepening of this realization, my amazement grew. I could sense grace enveloping us and with that I entered a deep sense of gratitude.