A torii (traditional Japanese gateway), and steps receding into the distance to an unseen temple, exemplify the Japanese concept of ma, the space between. The gate frames space. The steps provide space in time to prepare the mind. As I read around, there are many definitions of ma, but not one easy definition. The concept… Continue reading Ma: The Space Between
Tag: Shikoku 88
Temple Plumbing 2016
The Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage connects 88 temples over 750 miles on Japan’s Shikoku Island. It’s a circuit: temples 1 and 88 are 17 miles apart. It’s a journey: I’ve watched pilgrims making quite perfunctory stops at temples. This speaks to me. I walk to walk, not just to visit a sight like a waterfall or… Continue reading Temple Plumbing 2016
Temple Plumbing 2014
Just after you enter the grounds of a Japanese temple, there’s always a fountain for ritualistic rinsing of hands and sometimes the mouth. Here’s examples from the temples I visited April 2, 2014 when I walked the route of part of the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage (“Shikoku 88”). I wrote a similar post in 2013 when I… Continue reading Temple Plumbing 2014
Temple Plumbing 2013
Just after you enter the grounds of a Japanese temple, there’s always a fountain for rinsing hands and mouth. Here’s examples from the temples I visited when I followed the route of part of the Shikoku Henro (“Shikoku 88”). Temple 37: Iwamotoji March 29, 2013. Temple 38: Kongofukuji March 30, 2013. Temple 39: Enkoji… Continue reading Temple Plumbing 2013
Temple Bell
Temple 40 of 88. Hey C and D, we are allowed to ring the bell once. Would you share and ring it together?
Shikoku 88: Some Observations
The Shikoku Henro (“Shikoku 88”) is an 88-temple pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, Japan. The complete journey is about 750 miles. It is particularly appealing to me the pilgrimage goes in a circle: when you reach temple 88 you are just a few miles from temple 1, but your mind is in a different… Continue reading Shikoku 88: Some Observations
Turtle with a Bell
In the year 911 a turtle with a bell on its back visited this temple (39 of 88). I walked from this temple to Sukomo.
Ashizurimisaki
Today and tonight, in Ashizurimisaki. Near temple 38. High on cliffs overlooking Pacific. About as far as I can go.
Keeping Eyes Set
Temple #37 of 88 on the “Shikoku 88” pilgrimage. “Keep your eyes always set on the way.”