I'm sorry that my chapter comes so late. I had do do some thorough research about the temple and Buddhism. I wasn't sure if writing a chapter about religion in part is a good idea since it's a sensitive topic for some people. However, Ash refusing to learn anything about religion but slowly getting curious while visiting the temple grounds has always been an important part of my outline for this story. Eiji gives Ash a really short overview of the concepts of Buddhism here. That's intentional. More details will be explained two chapters later. I was raised Christian and this isn't a story to promote Buddhism or Christianity. All religions are equally important and valid.
Enjoy.
"Is this another temple gate?"
Ash turned to Eiji, casting him a curious glance when they reached the end of the food stalls on Nakamise Street. Like him, he still had an ice cream cone in his right hand while staring at the gate before them.
"Yes, you're right. This is the inner gate called Hozomon Gate. The original was built in 942 by the military commander Taira no Kinmasa. Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa Dynasty, advanced the construction of the temple complex, and a new gate was installed in 1649. After the gate was burnt down during an air raid in 1945, the current gate was rebuilt in 1964 with a donation by Yonetaro Otani, founder of Otani Heavy Industries and Hotel New Otani."
"Wow, people must really cherish temples when so many famous companies sponsor the gates."
"Yes, you're right about that," Hana grinned. "Maybe you'll understand why we cherish them if you walk around the temple grounds with us."
Then, she grabbed Eiji's arm with sparkling eyes and pointed somewhere ahead of them.
"Wow, Eiji, look, the buildings are really illuminated! It looks amazing! Like we entered a new world!" Hana added cheerfully. "The red color looks different in the dark. It's not scary at all with all the lights."
Eiji returned the smile. "See? I told you that you'd like it."
"It looks beautiful, right?" Eiji asked him, who had been silently staring at the gate.
Hana was absolutely right; the scene before them was nothing short of breathtaking. Even if you could only see snippets of what lay beyond the temple gate ahead of them. A sea of lights decorated the structures, casting enchanting golden hues across the temple grounds. The inner gate stood majestically, flanked by the pagoda and the grand Main Hall in the background, all illuminated so that the warm light brought out the rich red tones of their construction.
As Ash observed the shifting colors, he noticed how the buildings' colors transformed depending on the angle of his gaze—at times, they gleamed like silver or gold, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere.
His eyes roamed over the surroundings visible through the gate, filled with wonder, until they settled on his favorite sight —the pagoda, towering gracefully above the rest of the complex, making it stand out like a jewel in the night sky. Slowly, he turned to Eiji, and a small smile began to bloom, admiring the panorama before him.
The vibrant buildings, bathed in light, radiated a sense of tranquility and peace, each corner holding whispers of ancient stories. Although the complete layout of the temple grounds remained hidden beyond the inner gate, the silhouette of the pagoda and the lights that danced around the main hall were unmistakably visible, inviting, and warm against the starlit night sky.
Ash couldn't help but compare the beauty surrounding him to the churches he remembered from the US. Those places of worship often seemed draped in dull tones, their small and cramped interiors basked in shades of white, bronze, gray, and shadow. They lacked the enormous size, tranquility, and freedom that defined these temple grounds, where gardens blossomed, and calm lakes mirrored the night sky's beauty above them. The only splashes of color he could recall in the churches' images from his childhood were the stained-glass windows, which, although beautiful, felt limited compared to the vibrant panorama surrounding him now.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Cape Cod, one of the least religious states in America, he realized that his encounters with places of worship were few.
Besides, as far as he was concerned, God had never come to his aid, not even when he had been a defenseless kid and had desperately pleaded for help. God had ignored his torment, his suffering, and his frantic pleas for help and had looked away the same way everyone else had. God had never listened to his prayers and had forsaken him. So, maybe he should be more open-minded towards new alternatives Japan had to offer, just as Eiji had suggested.
"Yes, it's captivating. Your religious places are wide, open, and colorful. I think I slowly understand why you wanted to visit this place."
Eiji returned the softest smile in the semi-darkness.
Ash gripped Eiji's shoulder before they entered through the gate, making him halt in his steps.
"Wait, Eiji! One more question. Do Japanese people bow at every gate at a temple, too? Like at a shrine?" he whispered, so only he heard it.
His question caught Eiji entirely off guard. The surprise was evident in how his eyes widened, the disbelief hanging in the air as he stared at Ash for a lingering moment. Eiji hadn't anticipated such a question from him.
A moment of regret lingered in Ash's mind. Maybe he shouldn't have asked that. The temple gates, however, although much more vibrant here, reminded him of the shrine in Izumo. While his gaze drifted from one side to the other, his curiosity about whether the customs and rituals followed at both religious places were similar won out.
It felt like a lifetime to Ash until Eiji had finally gathered his thoughts and formulated a response. For an eternity that probably didn't last longer than a single heartbeat, Eiji stood there, stunned and speechless, processing his unexpected question. Then, shaking off the momentary surprise, he broke into a radiant smile that lit up his entire face and responded, "We do. Why do you ask?"
In contrast to Eiji's joy, Ash felt a wave of despair wash over him, the weight of regret heavy on his shoulders as he shifted his gaze downward, wishing the ground would swallow him and he could simply vanish. Why hadn't he taken the time to learn the proper etiquette for entering a temple?
The realization that his stubbornness had caused this situation stung more than any stab wound could ever have. He had visited this temple while ignoring all the books about it, which had led to the dilemma he was now facing. His cheeks flushed with shame as he focused on the ground, unwilling to meet Eiji's concerned gaze.
Only when he felt Eiji's gentle hand close around his own did he become aware of his fingers trembling. A warm rush of comfort coursed through him as he looked up, catching Eiji's worried expression. The soft concern in Eiji's voice cut through his embarrassment like a cure.
"Ash, you're overthinking things again. Please relax and just enjoy this evening with us," Eiji said, his tone soothing yet laced with concern. It was a reminder that even in moments of shame or embarrassment, he wasn't alone.
"Ash, are you okay? You look like you've just witnessed the end of the world," Eiji added, his voice laced with genuine concern while his soft eyes reflected the same emotion.
Startled by the intensity of Eiji's gaze, he did something that even surprised himself. In a sudden rush of vulnerability, he pulled Eiji closer, burying his face in the crook of his shoulder, seeking comfort. Heat rushed to his cheeks, a wave of embarrassment washing over him. Even so, the warmth radiating from Eiji felt like a safe haven, even as he sensed Eiji's surprise at this sudden embrace.
But then the tension in Eiji's body quickly vanished, and he began to stroke the back of his head gently, his fingers weaving through the soft strands of his hair. He could feel the soothing rhythm of Eiji's touch, a balm for his messy emotions. His touch was like an anchor that grounded Ash amidst the ocean of chaos swirling in his mind.
Before Eiji could voice his concerns again, Ash leaned in slightly closer, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke words meant only for Eiji's ears.
"Then, I forgot to bow at the first gate," he said quietly. Eiji cupped his chin and looked into his eyes, realizing he had only now noticed his mistake.
When thinking back at that moment, he remembered that Eiji and Hana had bowed instinctively, a gesture that came naturally to them, but he had completely overlooked it, lost in thought as he had examined the gate up close. The details of its craftsmanship had captivated him; he had gaped at the delicate carvings and the vibrant colors that beautified its surfaces. Instead of considering its primary purpose as an entrance to a temple, his attention was consumed by the details Eiji had eagerly pointed out.
He felt ashamed, almost like he had stumbled on a lesson every child learned effortlessly. The sensation of making a mistake, especially one so simple, was foreign to him and unsettled him. Eiji, noticing the slight frown on his face, couldn't suppress his amusement and let out a few soft giggles.
"Don't laugh at me!" he exclaimed a bit too harshly, irritated that Eiji laughed at him when he had uttered his questions and remarks out of genuine interest and tried to grasp an understanding of the temple's rules.
"I'm sorry, Ash. You just looked so guilty; I couldn't help but find it a bit amusing," Eiji replied, his grin lingering for a moment before fading into a more serious expression as he caught the look on his face.
"Ash, please remember that, as a foreigner, no one expects you to perfectly follow the temple's rules or be familiar with our temple's rituals and traditions," he reminded him patiently, his voice steady and reassuring. "Japanese people don't typically hold foreigners to the same standards," he added, hoping to ease the tension.
His response was a fierce, unwavering glare that spoke volumes. Judging by Eiji's reaction, he understood that his attempt to reassure him had missed the mark. Despite rejecting religion, he strongly desired to respect Japanese customs and the rituals associated with sacred places.
"Why is that so important to you?" Hana interjected, her tone curious as she observed him.
She had momentarily paused her exploration, having taken several photographs and strolled from one side of the majestic gate to the other to capture it from various angles. The way Eiji's sister took photos mirrored Eiji's behavior, even if she didn't have a professional camera.
Ash chuckled when he noticed that Hana copied her brother's movements while capturing photographs, looking for a good angle, paying attention to tiny details, and examining her surroundings and the lighting before taking a photo. It was adorable. Judging from Eiji's knowing glance that met his, he had noticed it, too.
"You're not particularly interested in religion, so why feel compelled to follow the rules of a sacred site? Isn't that contradictory?" she asked, now joining their conversation.
Ash gathered his thoughts before responding, his tone earnest. "Even if I reject religion, I still believe that honoring the customs and traditions of such a place shows respect," Ash replied, trying to express his reasoning. "It feels impolite and ignorant to disregard the rules and rituals of a site that holds deep spiritual significance for many people. This is an ancient place of worship, and it deserves appreciation."
Hana nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "I get it now. So, despite not being religious, you recognize that this place holds immense significance for many people here, and you want to show your respect for it regardless," Hana said, her voice warm and understanding. A radiant smile broke across her face as she regarded him. "I admire your attitude. Thank you, Ash."
"Ash felt how his cheeks heated up when Hana thanked him and quickly turned, looking away from her. Eiji giggled cheerfully and said, "Hana, you've embarrassed him now. How cute." Eiji enjoyed himself a little too much for his taste.
He could feel Hana's gaze on him, but he still didn't meet their gazes; instead, he looked at the temple gate before him.
"Don't point out unnecessary things and explain to me how I behave respectfully at a temple," he grumbled, getting impatient.
To his dismay, Eiji continued to wear an infectious grin as he took several confident steps towards him. With a gentle yet firm grasp, Eiji took his hand and smoothly turned him around, getting him to meet his eyes. Yet, as their eyes locked, the cheerful smile shifted into a provocative smirk that seemed to issue a silent challenge. When Eiji's behavior shifted to that of superiority—his eyes glinting with mischief—it was never a good omen.
"You know, if you had read the books I gave you, you wouldn't feel so stupid right now," he said in a smug tone, his eyes tightening a little and possessing a mischievous gleam.
"Eiji… Stop teasing me. I'll apologize, ok? I was an idiot not to listen to you and to ignore the books you gave me. Are you satisfied now?" he grumbled in a sour mood.
"Sorry, it was too much fun teasing you. I couldn't resist." He intertwined their arms and pulled him closer. "Please cheer up, ok?" he asked, giving him his most angelic smile. Damn him. How could he be mad if Eiji wore such a radiant smile?
He nodded quietly. If he were to be perfectly honest with himself, his frustration wasn't directed at Eiji but rather at his own shortcomings. He felt unsettled whenever he found himself lacking knowledge—especially when his own choices caused that cluelessness.
With his deep understanding and familiarity with Japan and its customs, Eiji often offered insights that helped him immensely adapt to everyday life in Japan. In fact, when Eiji suggested something, it was usually wise to listen. Ignoring his advice frequently led to trouble or embarrassment later on. So, it should have been evident to him that ignoring Eiji's guidance was a mistake, yet his own stubbornness often got in the way.
Eiji, however, never pressured him. He behaved more like a patient mentor, offering suggestions that were more like gentle nudges in the right direction. The choice to follow his advice or discover his own path was entirely his own. Eiji taught him that this was part of his newfound freedom.
So, even when they agreed to disagree, his respect for his opinions remained unchanged—never insisting, never pushing, just allowing him the space to make his own decisions, experiences, and mistakes. That was what he genuinely loved about Eiji.
"I'll give you a brief explanation. At temples, you bow at gates the same way as you would at a shrine. However, how you pay your respects and offer prayers varies at both sites."
Ash listened to him intently and nodded in understanding.
But before we go through the temple gate, let's take more photos.
Hana stood a bit to the side and took some photos, not only of the gate but also of her surroundings, like the Main Hall and the Pagoda, but now she turned around to them, smartphone in hand.
"Look, it's the perfect photo spot! If you take a photo through the temple gate, you'll get a perfect shot of the Main Hall with the Sky Tree in the background. I read that tip in one of the guidebooks."
"Really?" Ash asked, joining them and trying to take a peek through the gate. Then, he saw that Hana was right.
"Can you take a photo of me, Eiji?"
Eiji nodded and switched on his camera.
Hana tried to position himself before the gate while Eiji gave her tips on where to stand to achieve the best background.
Hana returned to him and looked at the display on Eiji's camera. "Wow, that looks amazing! Great work."
"Hana, can you take a photo of us together?" he asked his sister. "With my camera?" he added while holding it out to her.
Hana rolled her eyes as if that suggestion were utterly ridiculous and a waste of her time. Then, she grabbed his camera while Eiji instructed her on how to use it. She took a few photos and then joined them.
"I don't know how you can walk around with such a heavy camera. A smartphone is so much easier to carry around."
"You'll see the difference when you compare the photos we took of Mount Fuji from a great distance later. A smartphone has a zoom that gets blurry eventually, and the zooming function has limits. And a smartphone's photos get worse in the dark. The lighting is awful, especially in complete darkness."
"If you say so…"
Ash grinned." How about a photo of all of us?" he suggested, changing the subject.
"Let me take a selfie," Hana suggested, pulling Eiji closer.
She saw Eiji's face darkening and smirked. "Eiji, you have that frown that you always get when you don't like an idea. We can't take your fancy camera unless you have a tripod with you. It has too many buttons, and you can't see the display. A smartphone is much lighter and more easy to move around. And you can actually see the motive before taking it. I'm sure Mom would enjoy a photo of us together. Even if it's only a snapshot."
"Yes, you're right," Eiji replied through gritted teeth. "I won't say anything."
Ash put an arm around Eiji and pulled him closer. "Eiji, relax. Nowadays, smartphones have pretty good cameras. And for excellent and unique photos, we have a professional photographer with us." He winked at him, and Eiji's dark expression turned into a small smile. He saw how a slight blush danced across his features in the soft glow of the gate's surrounding lights.
"You do realize that not every photo has to be worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, right? I know that you have higher expectations of photos as a photography student. You possess a better eye for details, lighting, backgrounds, atmosphere, and many other details that escape my notice."
"I sense a but coming," Eiji replied, glancing at him.
"But, you taught me that photos, even quick snapshots with a smartphone, are enough to capture precious and unforgettable moments, so they last forever. A scene frozen in time that can be relived by looking at the photo."
"Yes, you're right. Maybe I'm too stubborn about this. Please take the photo, Hana, since you're the expert on selfies here."
Hana chuckled and took several photos.
"Wow, they're pretty good. You can even see the Skytree in the background," Ash remarked when seeing the photos." Hana grinned, then said,"I told you so."
"Yes, they're incredible! For a mere selfie with an ordinary smartphone, I mean."
"Eijiiii…" Hana gave him the evil eye and shoved her lower lip upwards into a pout.
"I'm just teasing you a little. They're amazing. Mom will love them."
They finally headed to the inner gate and passed through it.
After watching Eiji and Hana, Ash copied their movements and bowed before entering. Eiji beamed at him and gave him a quick peck on his cheek. He felt how his cheeks started burning and knew he was blushing. He was glad Eiji couldn't see it clearly in the dimly lit surroundings.
"The gate looks similar to the main gate. Only taller?" Ash asked curiously, staring at the backside of the gate now.
"Wait, does it have two floors?" he added, looking back at the gate they had just passed.
"You're right. The colors, the red pillars, and the huge lantern all look similar," Eiji agreed. "And it does have two floors."
"The roof also looks similar, with the difference that this gate has two roofs, one for each floor. And there are two golden lanterns next to the main red lantern," Hana added, gazing at it.
"Hozomon means Treasure Gate and it's the inner of two entrance gates. The outer one is the one we passed earlier, Kaminarimon. This one is also called Nijumon because it's a two-story gate. The second floor houses many of Sensoji's treasures, hence the name."
"What kind of treasures?" Ash asked him curiously. "Statues? Paintings? Books?"
"Sensoji's treasured sutras are stored there, some declared JapaneseNational Treasure, others Important Cultural Property.
"That means those are historical texts? Religious ones?"
"Yes, more or less. Some are short, some longer, and most have meanings fundamental to our cognitive perception of the world. If you're interested, I can show you some examples later."
Ash just nodded, his gaze lingering on the top floor for a moment longer. He was fascinated by old documents or books. As a bookworm, they piqued his interest, and he was automatically drawn to them, even if their focus was religious.
However, he slowly discovered that religious texts here were more philosophical and held clues to the meaning of life. He understood such concepts better because famous scholars or Buddhists had written them, and they weren't the words of some supernatural entity that might or might not exist.
"So, those texts are more philosophical, right?" he tried to confirm with Eiji, eager to learn more about them.
"Well, you could say that. Buddhism is a religion, a philosophy, and a set of beliefs and practices. So, many texts contain philosophical components."
Ash nodded, his eyes still focused on the top floor with newly found interest. For the first time, he hoped that Eiji would show him some of those sutras and was curious what they looked like and which topics they addressed.
"I love how your eyes sparkle. I can't see it clearly, but I can feel your excitement. I knew something like this would arouse your curiosity." Ash felt Eiji's warm gaze on him, his voice cheerful and soft.
"Well, those works were written by real people or scholars, which makes more sense to me. You can read something about their past lives, and there's proof they existed."
"Yes, you bring up a valid point. That's why I wanted to introduce you to Buddhism, as I thought it might resonate with you. You think of all religions as fundamentally similar, but Buddhism offers a unique perspective. It's less about worshiping a deity and more about exploring a philosophy that focuses on self-discovery and inner peace."
"Self-discovery and inner peace?"
"Yes. Rather than seeking answers from a superior being, Buddhism encourages us to look within ourselves for solutions to our problems. I know you've always valued your independence and have often faced challenges on your own, trying to analyze situations from various angles to find a solution. This approach is similar to Buddhist teachings emphasizing personal insight and understanding.
"That's an interesting and refreshing concept. Now, I'm a bit impressed and also curious."
"See? I truly believed that you could relate to this concept, and it might offer a different perspective to view our life and its challenges."
Eiji's remark stunned him, a mix of confusion and embarrassment washing over him as he stared at Eiji. The quiet atmosphere of the temple grounds surrounded them, yet he felt out of place, his mind racing with questions. Buddhists sought answers from within themselves? And Ash felt utterly foolish again for his stubborn refusal to read more about it. How often had he brushed aside Eiji's suggestions, only to regret it later?
His ignorance prevented him from fully appreciating the beauty and significance of the surroundings. Now was not the time to burden Eiji with questions, though. He understood that the depth of such beliefs couldn't be captured in a few minutes. A longer explanation was needed to grasp the main pillars which Buddhism was based on.
"You're right. But I relied on logic, not philosophy. Religions are more based on emotions like compassion and mercy, right? But I know what you want to say. Finding a solution within yourself sounds like a good concept to me. A better one than relying on a superior being that might not even exist."
Eiji grinned. "See? I knew that you'd get more interested while being here, at the temple grounds."
He was glad that Eiji was patient with him and understood his reason for being stubborn and suspicious about religion. Ash put an arm loosely around his shoulders, and they walked closer to the temple gate, looking at the construction in more detail.
"What about the gate itself and its history?" Ash asked, eager to learn something about the gate. Since he wasn't familiar with temples or Buddhism, many of the building's details escaped him when Eiji didn't point them out.
"The Hozomon Gate was first built in 942 by Taira no Kinmasa. Destroyed by fire in 1631, it was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1636. It stood for 300 more years until it was once again burned down during the Tokyo air raids of 1945."
Ash nodded at him but still looked at the temple gate in fascination.
"The first story houses two statues and three lanterns. It's 22.7 meters tall, 21 meters wide and 8 meters deep. After it was burned down in 1945, it was rebuilt using steel-reinforced concrete in 1964. That's why the treasures were put there. It can no longer be destroyed by fire and is more resistant to other kinds of threats or damages."
"Those statues also have a meaning, right?" Ash asked him.
"Yes, they do. Those are Nio statues, the guardian deities of Buddha. They have threatening faces and are responsible for preventing demons from entering the place. Touching their oversized pilgrim sandals, the o-waraji is said to bring good luck and happiness. That's also why the gate was originally called the Niomon, meaning Nio Gate."
"And the lanterns? The writing is different than on the main gate. It says Kobunacho?" Hana asked Eiji while still staring at the writing.
"Yes, you're right. The largest and most prominent lantern is a red chochin that hangs under the center of the gate's opening. It has a height of 3.75 m, a diameter of 2.7 m, and a weight of 400 kg. It's similar to the one of the first gate. Two 2.75-meter-tall copper Toro weighing approximately 1000 kg each hang on either side of the chochin. All three lanterns are completely removed during festivals. The people of Kobunacho donated 5 million yen (around 33.000 ) for the 400th anniversary of the start of the Edo period. That's why their name is written on the lantern."
"I'm always impressed by how much you know. You didn't write anything down and told us everything from memory. You even remembered all the dates, and there were no questions you couldn't answer. Incredible." Ash gave him a little smile.
"I just love temples. So, memorizing information about things I'm passionate about is easy. But coming from someone as smart as you, that's a huge compliment; thank you." Eiji beamed at him, and Ash saw how happy such a small praise made him.
Ash glanced around the surroundings, his mind racing with curiosity about why Eiji's only wish was to visit this remarkable place. The temple's inner sanctum didn't consist of just a main building. Many buildings with various functions and meanings surrounded it, so, to him, it looked like a small village rather than the grounds of a temple.
The softly glowing lights around some buildings illuminated the darkness and highlighted Eiji's unwavering smile, a radiant expression that hadn't faded since their arrival.
"You have that look again," Eiji said, casting a playful side glance at Ash, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
"Which look is that?" Ash asked, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion, not entirely understanding what Eiji meant.
"The one where it seems like you have a thousand questions swirling around in your eyes, but you haven't found the words to ask any of them yet," Eiji replied, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Ash was stunned for a moment, then he smiled.
"Standing here, surrounded by all this," he began, glancing around at the serene beauty of the temple grounds, "I realized that the concepts I have of religious places differ greatly from those I see here in Japan. So, I wondered if not only the religious places but also religion itself was completely different from what I had assumed. And if I should be more open towards exploring it."
Eiji's expression brightened considerably, and he gave Ash one of his most dazzling smiles—the kind that lit up his entire face, a smile that Ash lived for.
"I hoped that you'd say something like that eventually," Eiji replied, a hint of pride in his tone.
"I also can't help but wonder if your compassionate and selfless nature springs from within you or comes from the religion or culture you've grown up with."
"It's probably a mixture of both," Eiji said thoughtfully, his eyes revealing a deep understanding.
"You once told me that while many Japanese people practice Shintoism and Buddhism, most don't see themselves as religious in a traditional sense."
Eiji nodded, encouraging Ash to continue.
"So, what does faith genuinely mean to you?" Ash asked, eager to hear Eiji's heartfelt perspective.
The question caught Eiji off guard. It sounded simple at first glance but also carried a deeper meaning. His eyes widened in surprise, and Ash could see the cogs and wheels turning in his mind, a mixture of reflection and sincerity. As their eyes locked, Eiji took a moment to gather his thoughts.
"Faith for me," he began, his voice soft but decisive, "is seeing light with my heart when all my eyes see is darkness."