The Abbot’s garden in the Tofuku-ji temple is a picture of tranquillity. Rocks, sand and greenery are combined to aid meditation as you sit on the wooden terrace. The gravel is raked in pleasing patterns, like so:
The stripes are not accidental. They remain from the days when serving girls were brought into the garden before their ritual punishments could take place.
The whipping frame would be moved into position:
A monk would tie a girl to the frame with great ceremony, and then leave her to meditate. Deep stripes in the sand in front of her would help focus her mind on the stripes she was about to receive.
Then the temple bell would ring out once, and she would know: it was time for her whipping.
I only wish all tourist guides had your imagination…erm… I mean… your unerringly accurate historical knowledge of Japan.
I’m enjoying your holiday very nuch
x
To…fuk…u..? You are kidding right??
Sweet post as ever btw 😀
Yes, we will know ALL about Japanese culture (& history)soon