Eikan-do (temple), Path of Philosophy, Kyoto, Japan
20061001 120.jpg
In some temples (and in some other buildings) instead of a downpipe
from the roof gutter to the ground there is a chain. It seems like
more of a suggestion to the water rather than a requirement.
It's as if the chain distracts the raindrops from the idea
of falling, but without imprisoning them. Released from the
roof gutter, they still follow the chain one link at a time.
While they follow the chain, they can be seen as individuals.
(When they stand still, I can't tell the difference
between one raindrop and the next, but when they jump
from link to link each one has its own style.)