Journeys in Japan - 2012/02/14 - Ohenro Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 1

Feb. 14, Tue. 0:30 - 1:00 (UTC) etc.

"OHENRO Shikoku Pilgrimage Part 1: Tokushima - Pref."

- Bene praying
- Temple 5: Jizo-ji
- Mountain climbing

1,200 years ago, the Buddhist saint Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) established 88 temples in Shikoku. Later, it became popular to make a pilgrimage, along a route around the island, visiting all of the temples. This pilgrimage is known as ohenro, and the pilgrims are called ohenro-san.
This week on Journeys in Japan, Bene sets out on the first stage of her pilgrimage in Tokushima Prefecture. She has a guide with her for part of the journey: David Moreton is a college lecturer who has been studying the pilgrimage for 20 years. Together they make their way along a mountain trail that is considered one of the toughest: overcoming difficulties lie this is an essential part of the pilgrims' spiritual training. Bene finds that confronting her own self as she walks, her awareness becomes clearer. She takes in deeply the beautiful scenery she sees, and the warmth of the people she meets.

Temple 1: Ryozan-ji
The pilgrimage can be started at any of the 88 temples. But many people choose to start their journey here at Ryozan-ji, so it has come to be known as Temple 1 on the route.

For pilgrimage items, please check this web site:
http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/supplies.htm (in Japanese only)

Temple 2: Gokuraku-ji
The principal image in this temple is Amitabha Buddha. There is a lodge at here, where pilgrims can stay overnight.
http://www.tv-naruto.ne.jp/gokurakuji/ (in Japanese only)

For worshiping procedure, please check this web site:
http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/visit.html (in Japanese only)

Temple 5: Jizo-ji
In the temple's innermost section, there is a group of unusual Buddhist statues, known as the 500 Rakan.

Temple 12: Shosan-ji
This temple is situated on a peak at an altitude of about 800 meters. There is a pilgrims' lodge here that serves shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine). (Accommodation with dinner: 6,000 yen/person)

Temple 23: Yakuo-ji
This temple in Hiwasa Town is known as a place where pilgrims can pray for safety against misfortune. There is a wonderful view toward the sea from the temple precincts.
http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~yakuouji/ (in Japanese only)

Links in English about the ohenro pilgrimage:
David Moreton: The Shikoku Pilgrimage Route
http://www.davidmoreton.com/Shikoku-Pilgrimage-Route.php

David L. Turkington walked Shikoku Henro from March to May in 1999.
http://www.shikokuhenrotrail.com/

Traveler: Bene

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part 1 of 1: http://www.mediafire.com/?dya9oohgrxgnptf