This is a course from the shojin ryori meal I received at the Keizoji Temple from the head monk.

After eating, we shuffled about to another part of the temple and were served matcha tea and Japanese treats. There, we had an opportunity to ask the monk a number of questions, from where he came from, to why he became a monk. He answered them all in earnest, though looking back, might have been a bit invasive for Japanese sensibilities. He answered warmly nonetheless. One member of our group during this Q&A asked the monk what was his favorite place in the temple. He paused for a moment, collected himself after mulling it over and delivered a stupefyingly Zen answer: “Where ever I am is my favorite place”.  Yeah…he said that. I would have hugged him save the verbal (and likely physical) beating I would have received for doing so. His presence was remarkable and I’ve stood beside the Dalai Lama—not that that means anything other than to say every few years I chill with dope monks and will soon have my Associates in “Monk Aura”. Maybe I can get a job praying over Burger Kings at grand opening ribbon cuttings but…….I digress.