Rinsenji Temple Archives

My Dear Readers,

I am eternally grateful to Hikari, and to the Head Priest [Sasagawa – 笹川住職] of the Rinsenji Temple in Japan for choosing to display a picture of Petals of Haiku together with Hikari’s original painting for the book cover in the prestigious Treasure House of the Rinsenji Temple. This is an immense honor that fills me with the utmost gratitude.

Hikari’s stunning artwork has elevated the beauty of the Literary Revelations‘ Petals of Haiku collection, and I am humbled that her creation and our book will now reside in such a revered institution as the Rinsenji Temple, where they will be preserved for generations to come. Hikari’s work and the essence of our book Petals of Haiku will be immortalized, touching the hearts of all who will behold them.

The Rinsenji Temple was founded in 1497 by the samurai Nagao Yoshikage (長尾能影1464-1506). Remember the samurai were not only exceptional fighters. They were also highly educated. Eou (恵応1424-1504) was the first head priest of the temple. The current head priest is the 41th head of the temple. Could you imagine the Treasure House of the Temple? When the head priest decides the exact placement perhaps will get a picture.

Honored hardly begins to describe what I feel.

Congratulations to all contributors.

The head priest was extremely gracious and allowed Hikari to enter the temple and take a picture for Literary Revelations.

Hikari, the head priest, Hikari’s painting and our book.

Hikari’s picture of the temple, her art, and a short video she took in the garden of the temple where she painted the original art work for the cover.