Frequent articles have noted the unique experiences to which US military members have access as they travel the world at their nation’s call.  They may be able to visit the home lands of Abraham; they may be able to travel to Mecca at the government’s expense.  In Japan, they may be able to join a military-based tour group on a “spiritual journey” to a local Buddhist monastery.

As noted in an official Marine article, Marines based at Iwakuni went on a “spiritual journey” to a local temple hosted by Tadahisa Teshima: 

Approximately 20 service members and station residents spent their Sunday morning exploring the rich culture of Japanese Buddhism during an Information, Tours and Travel trip to the Kofukuji Temple in the Onomichi area of Hiroshima.

They participated in the Buddhist ritual of burning incense and 20 minutes of meditation, broken up only by the Dorje (bell) or “whacks” by the stick-wielding monk.  They then moved on to writing scripture.

The group had 20 minutes to practice their best Kanji while tracing the most popular of Buddhist scriptures, The Heart Sutra…

Making a handwritten copy of a sutra is called “Shayko.” The Heart Sutra is simple and important to the Buddhist religion, said Teshima…Buddhist scripture is significant to the Buddhist religion, but in order to train with proper discipline, it becomes a way of life.

The tour ended with a group prayer.

As noted previously, deploying with the US military around the globe exposes servicemembers to a wide variety of cultures and beliefs.  While most Christians would likely pass on the offer to participate in a Buddhist prayer, the US military neither prevents nor endorses such an event (though it might generally encourage cultural exposure, including such temple visits).

Though some might claim the participation in Buddhist rituals by US Marines is “propaganda” for the Taliban (who made a point of destroying Buddhas in Afghanistan), the freedom to participate in “religious” or similar culture events, whether a visit to a church in Kosovo or temple in Japan, is a protection provided to all servicemembers.

Besides, did you wonder if Tadahisa Teshima has heard the Gospel?

Via the Buddhist Military Sangha.