Common Blue Violet—Edible Weeds

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Common Blue Violet (viola sororia), the most common violet in the North America. The flowers and young leaves are edible. The roots are poisonous. The violet comes out in early spring.

The flowers are edible and I have seen them candied and used on cakes. The flowers are a source for vitamin C and can be dried for tea.

What I found surprising is the young leaves (the snails love the leaves too). They have a mild nutty flavor and are a source of vitamin A and C—mature leaves are bitter. We eat the leaves raw in the spring and fall in salads or smoothies. We also add them to omelets, quiche, soup, and pasta.

Meditations: The Structure of Sound

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meditation_soundI have always loved music. The complex forms and structures of the sound amazed me. Like many, I bought records—those black vinyl disks. It is amazing that the single, spiral channel cut into that vinyl could replay all the textures and notes in a symphony. This is what a record looks like under a microscope. The music is in the black channel.

Mõja-okuri: The End of New Years

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tokyo_moja_okuriMoja-okuri is a rite that signals the end of the New Year celebrations in Japan. This ritual takes place on January 18th at Senso-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple in Tokyo.

After dark, the lights are turned off in the temple grounds. It is pitch black. Two priest dressed as demons and carrying flaming torches run out of the main hall and through the precincts. They leave the temple grounds and go to a nearby site where the torches are extinguished in a small pit. The whole event is over in five minutes.

The priests represent evil spirits—one red, one blue. If the sparks from the torches fall on you, it is believed you will have good health throughout the year. People collect the ashes that fall from the torches as good luck charms.

The Legend of Binzuru

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japan_nara_binzuruSitting outside many temples in Japan is the well-worn figure of Binzuru. He is one of the most charming characters in Buddhism. His power to heal was matched by his love of drink.

One day, the Buddha asked Binzuru to visit a wealthy man whose family was plagued by evil spirits with the simple instructions to exorcise the spirits and to leave without falling into temptation. Binzuru banished the demons in the house. The wealthy man, being grateful, wanted to celebrate. After repeated offers of drink, Binzuru capitulated to have one drink as not to be rude to his host. It was not long before he was drunk and the spirits returned.

The Buddha, hearing of this, banished Binzuru from his company. Binzuru, filled with regret, followed the Buddha around the country and sat outside the Buddha’s tent to hear his sermons. On his deathbed, the Buddha, knowing of his loyalty, called for Binzuru and forgave him. He commanded Binzuru to remain in the world as a healer. Binzuru sits outside the temple so people come to him to ease their suffering—it is thought if you rub the part of the statue that corresponds to the part of the body that is ailing, it will be cured.

This particular statue of Binzuru is outside Todai-ji in Nara. During New Years, mandarin oranges are left as offerings. Click on the image to see a larger view.

New Years in Japan

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japan_nara_daibutsu2New Years in Japan is a special time. Unlike the West, where it is a fun party on the eve of the first, in Japan, the celebration is observed for several days, and rites and traditions can last the month of January. Visiting the local shrine or temple is a major event, known as hatsumode. One of the most visited temples is Todai-ji in Nara, which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha. The figure is about 15m/50ft in height.