birding, skip birding. GARDENING (ガーデニング) Jumping off the balcony of Kiyomizu 清水寺 temple

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Christian Cooper and Amy Tan on How Birding Brings Them Joy: a Live Event

Jumping off the balcony of Kiyomizu temple

(Japanese proverb)

by Harunobu

Source: gallica.bnf.fr / BnF

only for non-commercial use, remixed by Matt

Interesting Japanese Phrases - A Leap of Faith

One of the best places to spend a summers afternoon in Kyoto is the balcony at Kiyomisu, the temple high up on the mountain sides overlooking the city. Enjoy a quiet beer to quench the thirst and simply watch the world go by. The walk up from the center of town is an adventure in it's own right but it's the destination that makes the hike worthwhile.

Today the deck is the haunt of tourists but in the past it was the stage for artists to entertain the crowds. A fair few of whom are reputed to have become a little too enthusiastic and managed to plunge over the edge into the depths below.

And from this arises the phrase "Kiyomizu no butai kara toni oriru tsumori de" meaning to jump from the deck of Kiyomizu Temple (intentional or not). A more colloquial translation though reflects the moment of working up the courage to take the plunge (assuming intent), or more simply "a leap of faith". Something else to ponder as you enjoy that ice cold beer.

birding
noun
NORTH AMERICAN
the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby.讀曾野綾子（Sono Ayako/その あやこ、1931年 - ） 《綠手指：園藝之樂/『緑の指 ガーデニングの愉しみ』》姚巧梅譯......劉大任《園林內外》.....