The Dojo of Enlightenment: Journeying through the 26 Sacred Temples of Ehime.
Ehime Prefecture, traditionally known as “Iyo-no-Kuni,” marks the stage of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. This category follows the trail from Temple No. 40 (Kanjizai-ji) in the south to Temple No. 65 (Sankaku-ji) in the east.
This section offers a diverse landscape, from the historic streets of Matsuyama and the healing waters of Dogo Onsen to the grueling mountain climbs toward Temple No. 60 (Yokomine-ji). These articles reflect the transition from physical endurance to mental clarity, capturing the essence of the “Dojo of Enlightenment” as the journey nears its final prefecture.
No.40 Kanjiza-ji is the farthest away from No.1 Reizan-ji (Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage is like a round trip), and is known as the back gate of the 88 sacred temples. Yes, I would say that I’ve completed half of my pilgrimage by reaching to this temple, wow! Very unfortunately, the main temple of Kanjizai-ji was destroyed …
The sun finally started to shine and I was relieved a bit. I left my backpack at guest house Mima and walked to Ryuko-ji. I saw the mountains in the distance covered in white snow. Hmm, it could be tough from tomorrow. No.41 Ryukou-ji seems to have a history of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. …
By the time I arrived at Butsumoku-ji, it was snowing quite much that I felt it was a bit of a problem to worship. The Butsumoku-ji has a rare thatched bell tower. It was bit troublesome for me that it was snowing quite a bit… However, a temple with snow on top is a beautiful …
The sun started to shine, and the contrast of the white snow and the blue sky is really beautiful. Then finally this magnificent main gate of No.43 Meiseki-ji came into my view. The snow was falling from the brown roof of the main temple. I enjoyed this view for a while. At this temple, I …
When I was planning today’s route yesterday, I didn’t notice that there was a bekkaku sacred temple along the way. While I was walking towards Uchiko town, I eventually noticed this Eiraku-ji along the pilgrimage route. In fact, there’s interesting story around this temple. It’s about one of the practices of Shikoku henro pilgrims, that …
Continue reading “Day 21: Bekkaku No.8 Toyo-ga-hashi Eitoku-ji (十夜ヶ橋 永徳寺)”
The main gate of No.44 Daiho-ji appears suddenly in avenue of large cedar trees, and is surprisingly large and magnificent. There’s a set of huge straw sandals that reach to the ceiling of the gate. The Nio-statue is also impressive. I was moved by the feeling that this is where the half of my Shikoku …
The slope leading up to the Iwaya-ji is indeed steep, as the landlord of the mountain lodge Muraya said. It’s not the steepness of the slope that’s the problem, but rather the fact that it’s frozen… If there’re no handrails on both sides, it would be impossible to go up, needless to say to go …
There were sycamores in the precincts of No.46 Joruri-ji, which gave it a tropical atmosphere. I was really surprised at the completely different atmosphere from the one at Iwaya-ji I visited yesterday in the snowy mountain! It was interesting to see a variety of stones for blessings. A stone of Buddha’s hands for wisdom and …
No.47 Yasaka-ji welcomes pilgrims with an unusual looking gate that is narrow widthwise and long lengthwise. The brightly colored picture on the ceiling of the main gate is also unusual. What is interesting about Yasaka-ji is that there is an Enma temple that has two gates, one on the left and the other on the …
On the way to No.48 Sairin-ji, there is a signpost made in 1685, which is the second oldest in Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage. There’s also Monjyu-in, Bekkaku No.9 sacred temple, which is also a family temple of Emon Saburo, the founder of the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. Since this temple is associated with the founder of the …
Continue reading “Day 23: Bekkaku No.9 Monjyu-in Tokusei-ji (文殊院 徳盛寺)”
No.48 Sairin-ji welcomes pilgrims with the large and burnt-out brown colored main gate with solemn atmosphere. Just next to the main gate, there is a lovely Shiratama Jizo with its cheeks hanging down 🙂 Both the main temple and the Taishi-do, including the main gate, give the impression of being rather simple and robust. The …
Since I lost the henro route to Jyodo-ji, I was walking according to the guidance of Google map. Then I eventually came across Takanoko Hotel which I will stay today, so I decided to check in first. It is still before 3 p.m, so if I leave my heavy backpack here and hurry up a …