Category Archives: Religion

Life In Japan: Kogenji Temple

Posted on November 25, 2022 by johnrachel

Going to a shrine or temple for me now is one of life’s simple pleasures. So last weekend, we went to Kogenji Temple in nearby Tamba. It’s not a particularly fancy or spectacular temple but it’s very popular this time of year for it’s maple trees. (This article has some harsh things to say about Christianity and Catholicism. If you’re not up for it, don’t read it.) Continue reading →

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Stealing My Thunder

Posted on December 22, 2021 by johnrachel

If you want to know what’s really going on in the world, you know who to turn to. I owe it to my fans and followers to always provide the best, most accurate information ahead of any other sources of news. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Buddhism is fun!

Posted on November 30, 2021 by John Rachel

Okay … the title is hyperbole. No religion is actually fun. Most seem preoccupied with scary demons, suffering, sacrifice, gnashing, weeping, incantations, uncomfortable positions, and men dressed in funny clothes. But at least some Buddhists have a sense of humor! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Special Purpose Temples & Shrines

Posted on August 27, 2021 by John Rachel

The really fascinating temples and shrines in Japan are the special purpose ones. There are shrines and temples devoted to the usual things: money, health, happiness, long life, good marriage. There are ones dedicated to uniting two people in love or in friendship. Interestingly, there’s at least one shrine for breaking up! We spent the day at one my wife calls the “Karma Temple”. Continue reading →

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Book Review: “Healing the Land with Tao” by Gary Lindorff

Posted on June 11, 2018 by johnrachel

Intentionally or not, with his new book “Healing the Land with Tao”, Gary Lindorff has created a loosely structured operating manual for the soul. We’ll all get different messages and meanings. We will benefit to differing degrees. But if I could choose only one book to help break the chains of my mental and spiritual incarceration, it would be this book. Continue reading →

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A Simple Straight-Forward Message for a Complex Convoluted Time

Posted on December 30, 2017 by johnrachel

This is about “Happy New Year”, my holiday greeting card to the world, a song I wrote three years ago, performed by my lovely and extremely talented wife and myself, here in my home studio in Japan. I believe it offers a simple straightforward message for a complex convoluted time. Continue reading →

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Arm Wrestling Jesus

Posted on April 19, 2014 by johnrachel

I’m issuing a challenge to Jesus Christ, upon His return to Earth. After giving Him a few days R and R to get His bearings and get back up to Savior speed __ God knows what the jet lag must be coming that distance __ we’re going to sit him down to an arm wrestling contest. That’s right, an arm wrestling contest! Let’s see what He’s made of. Let’s see if He’s got the right stuff! Continue reading →

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