Praying in the grounds of Oomoto's main Ayabe shrine
The arts-oriented, universalist Oomoto Shinto sect will be running a programme in August aimed at foreigners interested in learning more about them. It is held at Kameoka and Ayabe, near Kyoto. and programme details are below. I’m told that a donation of something like $35 or more a day would be appropriate. If you would like to apply, or get further information, contact KATSUYA KIMURA <k-kimura@oomoto.or.jp>
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August 1st, 2013
Arriving at Oomoto in Kameoka
20:00 Opening Ceremony
Staying at the dormitory in Oomoto Kameoka Headquarters
Priests before a major ritual at Oomoto's Ayabe complex
August 2nd
06:00-06:30 Morning service at the shrine
08:30-09:00 Morning meeting for Oomoto staff (Introducing yourself)
09:00-0930 Tour of the Oomoto ground in Kameoka
10:00-11:30 Lecture (History of Oomoto)
13:30-15:00 Lecture (Activity of Oomoto)
17:10-17:40 Evening service
Staying at the dormitory in Oomoto Kameoka Headquarters
August 3rd
06:00-06:30 Morning service at the shrine
09:30-10:00 Chin-kon (Meditation)
10:00-10:30 Lecture (Esperanto Movement of Oomoto)
13:00-14:00 Esperanto lesson
14:30-15:30 Moving to Ayabe city
15:30-17:00 Tour of the Oomoto ground in Ayabe
17:10-17:40 Evening service
18:00-20:00 Welcome party
21:00 Staying at the dormitory in Oomoto Ayabe Headquarters
August 4th
06:00-06:30 Morning service at the shrine
09:00-09:30 Lecture(Oomoto Poem Festival)
09:30-10:30 Ro-ei (chanting a poem) lesson
13:00 Moving to Kyoto city and a sightseeing in Kyoto city
19:00 Coming back to Kameoka
Staying at the dormitory in Oomoto Kameoka Headquarters
August 5th
06:00-06:30 Morning service at the shrine
10:00-11:30 Lecture (Activity of Oomoto Part 2)
13:30-15:00 Lecture (Teaching of Oomoto)
17:10-17:40 Evening service at the shrine
August 6th
06:00-06:30 Morning service at the shrine
08:00-11:30 Visiting the Mount Takakuma in Kameoka
13:30-15:00 Lecture(Oomoto Miroku Dance)
18:00-19:30 Oomoto Poem Festival
19:30-21:00 Oomoto Miroku Dance
August 7th
06:00-06:30 Morning service at the shrine
10:00-12:00 Attending the Oomoto Summer Grand Festival in Kameoka
15:00-20:00 Visiting Kyoto-city
August 8th
Leaving Oomoto
The attractive water basin, part of Oomoto's aesthetic appeal
Offerings tastefully displayed
Shrines laid out around the pond garden, beauiifully integrated with nature
Thank you very much for the feedback, Jann, and it’s good to know that the Oomoto experience lived up to expectations. I know others who have been similarly impressed, and I’m aware from my own visits how attractive the sect is in terms of aesthetics and pleasant atmosphere. Your comments will be of use to others who might be interested in learning more, so it’s good you took the trouble to write in…