Hiwatari-matsuri for Mark (wysiwig) by myrrhluz

Photography • Cultural and Spiritual Art • posted on Oct 25, 2011

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Description

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!!! Thank you for taking us with you in your wonderful travels around the world. I wish you a fun filled day and a wonderful year! Here's a couple of pics from my time in Japan, just a short time after you were there. This was taken in March 1979 at the Hiwatari-matsuri (Firewalking Festival) at Mount Takao in Japan. Goma (Homa outside of Japan) is a tradition of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and is any ritual where offerings are made into consecrated fire. In Shingon Buddhism, this ritual is meant to cleanse the participant spiritually and psychologically. Goma-gi (prayer sticks), something participants can pay for and personalize with their hopes and wishes, are thrown into the fire. When the fire has burned to ashes the Monks walk across the hot coals and then the visitors who want to, do so. (Most information from Wikipedia)

Comments (33)

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myrrhluz

3:22PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

These were taken from negatives and I hope they are the right way round. If anyone knows Kanji and sees that they are backwards, please let me know. :)

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emmecielle

3:37PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Fantastic images! :)

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flavia49

4:15PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

marvelous images and dedi!

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drifterlee

4:22PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Wonderful shots and dedi!!!!!!

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vaggabondd

4:59PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

The bottom one looks a picture from a zombie movie. great shots and happy birthday Mark

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magnus073

5:19PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

This is a wonderful dedi Lucinda, as only you can seem to pull off. These are both amazing photos and it was fascinating to read about this ceremony and their traditions. Thank so much for always providing such detailed info to go along with your images.

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jocko500

5:44PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

you walked. lol cool shot

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sandra46

5:54PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

outstanding Bday gift here! great image!

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mickeyrony

6:05PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Hmmm. A very nice shot my dear. And surely a gift of Christmas. Congratulations and many thanks for sharing ((5 + +)) Hummm. Une très jolie prise de vue ma belle .Et surement un beau cadeau de fêtes . Bravo et mille mercis de partager ((5++))

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goodoleboy

7:25PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Banzai on this cool collage, Lucinda! Objectively speaking, top foto shows martial art samurai warriors pledging loyalty to the cause; bottom pic shows what look like captured soldiers, walking on hot coals, marching off to a prisoner of war camp.

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mgtcs

7:30PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Excellent capture my friend, amazing dedication Lucinda, wonderfully done!

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Faemike55

7:34PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Fantastic captures and great birthday dedication to Mark

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Minda

10:45PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

awesome captures lucinda//

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0rest4wicked

10:46PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Great dedication Lucinda! Happy birthday Mark!!!!!!

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wysiwig

11:00PM | Tue, 25 October 2011

Hot coals, eh? I'll bet they can't compete with a hot Southern California beach at the height of summer. ;^) You lived in Japan while I was just passing through. That's why I really like these pictures. It allows me to see through your eyes what I missed. Thank you for thinking of me, Lucinda. It was very thoughtful.

angora

12:34AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Happy BD, Mark! :-D awesome images!

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jayfar

1:45AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

They are beautiful pics Lucinda which ever way round.

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helanker

1:47AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Beautiful shots and excellent dedications for your friend :-)

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Madbat

3:00AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

O-tay, I think I'll give teh fire walking a miss!!

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durleybeachbum

3:24AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Gosh! Very interesting! Don't try the walking bit at home.

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fallen21

4:00AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Fantastic shot.

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Bossie_Boots

7:56AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Superb and wonderful dedi 1!

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jendellas

8:40AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Two wonderful pics!!!

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mariogiannecchini

9:13AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Wonderful captures and photos and very beautiful dedi to Mark !

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blondeblurr

10:38AM | Wed, 26 October 2011

Like I said before, Mark is a lucky guy ;-) soooo many dedications for his B-day and well deserved! Lucinda, this is absolutely interesting - BTW did you actually walk across the hot coals? BB

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