Gallery of Friends

kirklmiler
Mar 1, 2020
2 min read

My first few days in Kyoto I was welcomed by the friendly monk in my neighborhood.

My longest friends in Kyoto...Asami (Japan) and Kelsey (Australia)

Kelsey hosted a Christmas Dinner for friends

Early in Kyoto, I was warmly welcomed to the Reiki group led by Sensei Hyakuten Inamoto. Sensei Inamoto is Japanese Buddhist monk of the Jōdo-shū (浄土宗) or Pure Land School (sect) and international Reiki teacher from Kyoto, Japan. He is only one generation removed from Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki and travels internationally teaching Reiki principles. Reiki is a spiritual practice originated from Japan for alternative healing therapy.

Enjoy his energy here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNujJjARm2E

Out of nearly 10 million people in Seoul, Korea, I chose the Airbnb of Brian and Wisdom Kimm and made two lifelong friends in less than 24 hours. I returned again 3 months later to be met again with their kindness, warmth and friendship. I look forward to showing them Austin, Texas soon.

I spent my birthday with Kwan Jeong, Buddhist nun at Baekyangsa Temple and knew I was in the presence of a true spiritual teacher. No words were necessary. So I list her among my friends. Read about my experience here: https://www.sundaysinkyoto.com/post/seoul-korea

My Tai chi family in Kyoto, led by Rumi Sensei and her husband. Rumi is truly one of the most kind and beautiful people I have ever met and was so helpful to me with the English she could speak. Other than that, I just followed along.

Rumi is also a gifted artist. See her work here:https://www.ruruontheroof.com/

Mayumi Yoda, who connected me to so many new friends

Kyoto Mindfulness Center: https://www.kyotomindfulness.org/

Noriko Nakata on our visit to Koyasan

Learn more about Peace Boat here: http://peaceboat.org/english/about-peace-boat

Keiko and Kanon, who welcomed me into their home

See Keiko's work here: https://lunaticanapa.com/

Yasuha Oda, who made it possible for us to have tea with Hitomi Kawasaki, Internationally renowned Bonsai Research Specialist and Curator.

See Yasuha's work here: https://www.instagram.com/yaz_photography85

Visit Gendai Bonsai here: http://www.gendaibonsai.com/

New friends, the Kentaro Noda Family. Visit his website here: http://kentaro-safari.com/

Mayu Okamoto, one of the first and kindest people I met in Kyoto. Thanks to her I am now practicing Sumi e. Visit her website at https://www.be-kyoto.jp/