The Carp Stone (rigyoseki) at Kinkaku-ji appears to be swimming upstream against a pounding waterfall. I am told that this stone image symbolizes strength, courage, and the will to persevere even when struggling against adverse conditions.
Creating circular ripples in the pond surrounding the Golden Pavilion Temple, I also saw a colorful carp (Nishikigoi) raise its head out of the water. Emulating the power of the stone, it stopped for only a few seconds and then continued on its way.
So it is with life—
time stops for no one
in this in-between world.
Keep your head up, breathe deeply
and travel on! ~ms
Before I Forget 
Wow – it’s beautiful!
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Stunning fish, with those splashes of bright colors.
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the stone carp of my own heart
like tail fin in tender water,
filling the water-pool
with my own tears or is it fear?
what i claim of childhood
the ripple of a year.
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Thank you for the poem!
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I like what the carp stone symbolizes …
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Thanks. I like it too. When we are born into this world, the only thing we know for sure is that one day this life will end. It takes great courage to walk (swim, crawl, or fly 🙂 ) through this life, not knowing what each day will bring. Learning as we go—we do our best!.
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the Carp Stone is awesome…I like what it symbolizes! Beautiful carp!
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Thanks! The size and color of these carp is quite impressive. Easy to see in such clear water. 🙂
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I just came upon your site – what a contrast between this and “Tired of Winter”! I hope and bet you’re enjoying Japan. In northern Nova Scotia, I’m wondering if winter will ever end (but know it will).
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I hear that it snowed more than usual in Tokyo this winter, so I think many people in Japan are tired of winter too.
I am back home now in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Yesterday, it was 74 degrees. 3 days from now (Monday), it is supposed to snow or sleet. It is an obvious tug of war between winter and spring. Winter needs to just let go, because spring will soon win the battle! 🙂
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Agreed!
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Those moments of contact with pure energy are so special. Many thanks for sharing.
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Thanks! You are absolutely right.
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fabulous photographs Mary, those fishes are so pretty! we can learn so much from nature.
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Thank you! I agree with you–nature is a great teacher!
These photos were taken in the waters surrounding the Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-ji) in Japan. It was a place where Zen Buddhists practiced zazen (religious meditation).
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Just to see the stone, even before knowing what it signifies to others, you can feel the strength of purpose.. will, and feel better for it, as Sharmishtha says,, we can learn much from Nature. … xPenx
(many thanks for dropping by…xx)
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Thank you!
Yes.It is definitely standing strong.
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Looks unreal but beautiful. Nice pictures.
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It’s real!
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I am sure it is!
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Love the carp – Koi! Never seen a red – white and blue one before! 🙂
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Yes. Red, white, and blue living peacefully in a beautiful Japanese pond. The world is an interesting place filled with strange twists, turns, and interesting connections!
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magic!
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Thank you! Swimming slowly through reflections, what is becomes one with what is not. There is no separation. I agree…it is magical.
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Brilliant pictures Mary. The koi are so elegant.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Thanks! In case anyone is getting confused by the 2 names…..a koi is an ornamental variety of carp, so both names are correct (koi = carp). I had to look that up to be sure. 🙂
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I nominated you for the Sunshine Award, 🙂 http://kouzounaskitchen.com/2014/03/16/another-sunshine-award/
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Great pics, nice words Mary.
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My goodness, that’s a very colourful fish, I’ve never seen one that attractive before. Quite a beauty! 😀
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Yes….I have never seen one that was red, white, and blue!
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What beautiful fish! Thank you for the like on my site – very much appreciated :-). It’s lovely to see such colourful fish. We had a small collection of orfe who were great fun. Sadly, I use the word ‘had’. We also enjoy the company of a rather beautiful heron! Say no more….
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Thanks! A few years ago, my friend purchased some fish (Koi) for a little pond in her backyard. They were rather expensive.
Then, one day, she noticed that one was missing. The next day, another was gone.
Looking out of her kitchen window one morning, she finally saw the fish thief.
It was a rather large and beautiful heron….as you say…there is no need to say more. 😉
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Lovely carp photos! Very clear.
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Thanks Jean! I was lucky. The carp was swimming slowly enough (and close enough to the surface) for me to get a clear photo.
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Your blog is amazing. 🙂
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Thanks for the compliment, Erica!
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