Mr. Hata, a postscript: 49 days later
3 weeks + 49 days after a dying man meets his son for the first time in 30 years
- On way to Mr. Hata's burial. Buddhist burials are 49 days after death. Mr Hata's story: https://storify.com/DocumentingIan/mr-hata-and-t-a-reunion-after-30 … and https://storify.com/DocumentingIan/mr-hata-a-postscript …
For 49 days after death, ashes of loved ones are placed on alter at home where loved ones pray and make offerings. pic.twitter.com/yQMhR9NfL3
Buddhist priest visits Mr Hata's home. Close friends, family & neighbors gather & prayers are offered before burial. pic.twitter.com/gwqrt0of14- After prayers at home, Mr Hata's ashes are carried to his grave. pic.twitter.com/bLZNvcW5cy
Mr Hata's grave is in the forest. Nearby are signs warning of bears. pic.twitter.com/v882OOutDu- By law, bodies can no longer be buried. In cities, urns w/ ashes are placed inside of stone graves. But not here... pic.twitter.com/yl1L1npRdv
Mr. Hata's family digs hole next to grave and pours his ashes directly into ground. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. pic.twitter.com/eYJN5wURPX
In memory of Mr Hata (1946-2016). Part 1: https://storify.com/DocumentingIan/mr-hata-and-t-a-reunion-after-30 … Part 2: https://storify.com/DocumentingIan/mr-hata-a-postscript … pic.twitter.com/mU1OvKVpjz- @DocumentingIan never seen that happen before - is that his family's plot?
- @TengokuBeer I hadn't either. That's why I was taking pics line crazy (in between prayers, of course). Yes, it is the family grave.
- @TengokuBeer they said until law changed around 10 years ago, family were all buried here in ground w/out cremation.
- @DocumentingIan is it 49 days already? 🙁 time flies
- @mryokosan hard to believe, isn't it.
- Ian Ash's simple and remarkable story of the last days of a dying man. https://twitter.com/documentingian/status/743227577951674372 …
- @DocumentingIan Once again, thank you for honoring me and the rest of your audience by letting us share in this incredible journey.
- @DocumentingIan You helped Mr. Hata find the peace that eluded him for most of his life. He most certainly rests with it. <3
- @XanaxWarrPrncss thank you for sharing in Mr Hata's story! I am honored to have known him & to be able to share part of who he was w/ others
- @DocumentingIan namu amida butsu
- @debaucherie thank you for your prayers.
- @DocumentingIan Thanks for the update on Mr. Hata. I'm guessing his son could not make it for the burial? #mrhata
- @DocumentingIan time flys, RIP Mr. Hata he will always remind me to keep fighting but to also enjoy the time I have. #fcancer thankyou Ian
- @frankie_7000 it sure does. Mr Hata reminds us we must cherish our life and loved ones. Much health and peace to you, Ian
