After a nap that was just about as satisfying as the fresh sushi I had for breakfast, it was time to head back out into Tokyo for another excursion. This time my destination was Meiji Jingu, better known as the Meiji Shrine. This Shinto shrine is surrounded by a serene forest (see pictures below), so despite the fact that it is located near Harajuka’s shopping, music, and costumed kids upon entering the 170 acre complex it seems as if the rest of the city has vanished. The complex was completed in 1920 to commemorate the lives of the much loved Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Rebuilt after it was burned during the bombing of WWII, but the massive torii (gates) made from 1700 year old cypress trees at the entrance make it seem as if the shrine has been there since the start of time.
It is a tradition for proud parents and grands to bring their newborns to the shrine for a dedication ceremony and there were two weddings in progress and what looked like a third being arranged. Every thing was very formal, I was lucky enough to show up at the right moment to get some good pictures of an event that looked straight off the pages of a history book.
All very cool, but why should traditions matter to an alcoholic?
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The main reason I think traditions should be important to alcoholics and addicts is that they are strong reminders that we are a part of a much bigger world that will continue on regardless if we participate or not. When using, the only thing we serve is our disease willing to break any civilized norm or rule of thumb in order to do so- everything else is setcondary to immediate gratification. Traditions are something that can ground us, reconnect us with the society in which we could no longer function.
The reverence involved with the more formal traditions and rituals, for me at least, seem to give me the feeling that there is more to life than just existence and that there is a higher purpose. The cleansing ritual of washing hands and rinsing the mouth before entering the shrine and the traditional wedding garb added an emotional weight to these events- made them special.
Of course just having a little continuity and a guide for daily routines can be more helpful to one suffering from an addiction than the most expensive rehab. Even having a regular market day or yard cleaning can help us stay connected to the real world.
I have another work day coming up, but be looking for my next post about the Japanese sword museum.
