Offering

Nujabes - Prayer

With very little sleep, I couldn't refuse an invitation to pay respects at Atsuta Shrine(one of the three holiest shrines in Japan) with a dear and valued friend. Listening to his stories of happiness and progress really makes me happy. He's the utmost gentleman in all respects and truly deserves all the success he receives.

As you can see from the sea of people, at this time every year, almost everyone goes to their local shrine to make a donation and pay respects. I'm not a particularly religious person, nor am I a true athiest but it's an experience that is worthwhile. The sea of people was equally matched with the amount of money in the pool, and I'm not going to lie, I was rather jealous (a fruitless pursuit). Perhaps it's my Australian upbring, but such things are met with scrutiny, especially from an outsider's eye, but my Malaysian / Chinese upbring makes perfect sense of it also.

In no matter what circumstance, giving thanks or respect of any measure and through any form of social upbringing, I wouldn't be wrong in saying that it's a gesture most valuable. Although it was a tough year, I'm grateful for the very least having lived it.

All my love and wishes for the upcoming year. Turn the page.