Yesterday I participated in a Buddhist ceremony called 涅槃え (Nehane). (Heavy Metal fans would delight to know that it translates as "Nirvana!") Lots of eerie chanting backed up by two more priests pounding on a funky wooden drum (木魚 mokugyo) and a bell (鐘 kane). It was pretty creepy but, with the incense burning and monotonic warbling, was enlightening.
The background was decorated with a very cool tapestry, surrounded by flower bouquets, candles and offerings of grapefruits and 餅 (mochi=rice cakes).
All in all, a very pleasant way to kill an afternoon.
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