During the Spring semester of 2024, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Japan, courtesy of TAMIU's esteemed Reading the Globe program. Alongside fourteen fellow first-year students, I had the privilege of delving into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, inspired by the pages of Marie Mutsuki Mockett's poignant work, "Where the Dead Pause, and the Japanese Say Goodbye: A Journey." Before delving into my experience with sutra writing, let me share some background knowledge I learned. A Sutra is a profound beacon in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, with each stroke of ink encapsulating timeless wisdom, guiding seekers away from ignorance and the cycle of birth and death. Sutras are revered as cornerstones, preserving sacred teachings and offering a path to spiritual emancipation. Just as threads bind fabric, sutras bind oral traditions into scriptures, ensuring knowledge continuity. Sutra writing, dating back to 1st century BCE to 6th century CE, is a sacred rite in Buddhism, embodying mindfulness and the art of Japanese calligraphy, known as Shakyo. Through this synergy, practitioners transcend self, immersing in the dance of ink and parchment, where harmony resonates and ancient teachings find new life. Anticipation bubbled within me as our departure date approached, fueled by a mix of excitement and eagerness to immerse myself in the landscapes and traditions depicted within the book's pages. Stepping foot on Japanese soil after nearly fourteen hours in transit brought a profound sense of relief and exhilaration, signaling the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. Expecting a landscape adorned with unfamiliar Japanese characters, I was pleasantly surprised by the prevalence of English signage, easing our navigation through bustling streets and tranquil temples alike. Each moment spent traversing Japan felt surreal, akin to walking through the vivid imagery of a cherished dream. Amidst the myriad experiences etched into my memory, one stands out with vivid clarity: the transformative practice of sutra writing at Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto. The serene moments spent copying a sutra left an indelible mark on me.
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