Procession of Shoryoe at Shitennoji Buddhist Temple, Osaka, Japan. Photo by Sydney Solis
My Japanese keeps getting better and better, as I was able to understand a lot of what was going on during Shoryoe, the Memorial Service for Prince Shotoku at Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple here in Osaka.
Prince Shotoku built the temple in the sixth century. He was the first Buddhist statesman and was the lay founder of Buddhism in Japan.
I adore this temple and spend a lot of time here, always finding something new and amazing!
Today was no exception. In addition to the Temple Sale held every 21st and 22nd of the month. today featured Shoryoe and bugaku, classical dance of Japan. Bugaku is considered a national important cultural asset, and performances have been in Japanese imperial courts for over 1,200 years.
Drummer during Shoryoe at Shitennoji Buddhist Temple, Osaka, Japan. Photo by Sydney Solis.
Enjoy these photos! Some people watch television; I stood at a Buddhist temple for three hours in the sun! Learned the word for sunburn – hiyake! I am also booked to lead my first photography tour of Japan! With the Community House Information Center in Rokko Island, Japan. Mark your calendar for Nov. 29, 2018. A photo lesson then street photography! More info soon!
Drum at Shitennoji Buddhist Temple, Osaka, Japan. Photo by Sydney Solis
The giant red balls were made to resemble spider lilies. Everything is about nature in Japan. Photo by Sydney Solis
Masked dancers perform bugaku, classical dance during Shoryoe at Shitennoji Buddhist Temple April 22, 2018. Photo by Sydney Solis
Children wear butterfly costumes during bugaku, classical dance at Shitennoji Buddhist Temple Shoryoe in Osaka, Japan. Photo By Sydney Solis
Masks that resemble the sun are worn on dancers. The sun brought gorgeous gifts that were then given to the children wearing butterfly wings, then given to the priests. A beautiful myth and ritual to experience! Shoryoe Memorial Service for Prince Shotoku at Shitennoji temple, Osaka, Japan. Photo by Sydney Solis
Dance of the Shishimai, mythical lion. this was the original dance, a somber event. Photo by Sydney Solis
Myth has the ability to pitch us out of ordinary, profane consciousness and into sacred time. Experiencing these types of rituals, such as Shoryoe, is a participatory consciousness, and a sense of spiritual renewal is the result. Children dressed as butterflies performing bugaku, classical dance. Photo by Sydney Solis
Sydney In Osaka 
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