Patron Saint of Learning

As I prepare to go back to work next week it seems appropriate to visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Named after Sugawara Michizane, the patron saint of learning, it is said to be endowed with miraculous powers to aid learning, (I'm hoping it will have a positive impact on my language learning.. I need all the help I can get!) The shrine dates back to 1180 and is popular with students who flock here at certain times of the year for divine assistance. The area of Kitano-cho, a popular place for foreigners to live, takes it's name from this shrine.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Henry Ford