Shikoku Pilgrimage
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The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". or Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) on the island of Shikoku, Japan. A popular and distinctive feature of the island's cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-related purposes.[1] The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles, and often augment their travels with public transportation. The standard walking course is approximately Template:Convert long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete.
In addition to the 88 "official" temples of the pilgrimage, there are 20 bekkaku (別格) temples, which are officially associated with the Shikoku Pilgrimage (and hundreds more bangai (番外) temples, simply meaning "outside the numbers," which are not considered part of the official 88).[2][3] To complete the pilgrimage, it is not necessary to visit the temples in order; in some cases, pilgrims complete the journey in reverse, a practice known as gyaku-uchi (逆うち).[4]
Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is the Japanese word for pilgrim,[5] and the locals along the route address the pilgrims as Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. They are often recognizable by their white clothing, sedge hats, and kongō-zue or walking sticks. Alms or osettai (お接待) are frequently given to pilgrims by Shikoku's residents.
Before reaching Temple 88, walking and bicycle pilgrims can receive a "Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Henro Ambassador" certificate from the Maeyama Ohenro Koryu Salon. At Temple 88, one can purchase a pilgrimage completion certificate called a kechi-gan-shō (結願証), meaning "fulfillment of one's wishes."[6] Many pilgrims also begin and complete the journey by visiting Mount Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture, which was settled by Kūkai and remains the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. The Template:Convert walking trail up to Kōya-san still exists, but most pilgrims use the train.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
History
Background
Pilgrimages have played an important part in Japanese religious practice since at least the Heian period. Typically centred upon holy mountains, particular divinities, or charismatic individuals, they are usually to Buddhist sites although those to the shrines of Kumano and Ise are notable exceptions.[1][7]
Kōbō Daishi
Kūkai, born at Zentsū-ji (Temple 75) in 774, studied in China, and upon his return was influential in the promotion of esoteric Buddhism. He established the Shingon retreat on Kōya-san, was an active writer, undertook a programme of public works, and during visits to the island of his birth is popularly said to have established or visited many of its temples and to have carved many of their images. He is posthumously known as Kōbō Daishi.[8][9]
Development
The legends and cult of Kōbō Daishi, such as the episode of Emon Saburō, were maintained and developed by the monks of Kōya-san who travelled to expound Shingon and were active, along with other hijiri, in Shikoku.[10] In the Edo period, the policy of Script error: No such module "Nihongo". restricted and regulated the movement of ordinary people. Pilgrims were required to obtain travel permits, follow the main paths, and pass through localities within a certain time limit, with the book of temple stamps or nōkyō-chō helping to provide proof of passage.[11]
Practice
Stages
Shikoku literally means "four provinces", those of Awa, Tosa, Iyo, and Sanuki, reorganized during the Meiji period into the prefectures of Tokushima, Kōchi, Ehime, and Kagawa. The pilgrim's journey through these four provinces is likened to a symbolic path to enlightenment, with temples 1–23 representing the idea of Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., 24–39 Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., 40–65 attaining Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., and 66–88 entering Script error: No such module "Nihongo"..[12]
Equipment
The pilgrim's traditional costume comprises a Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., and Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. This may be supplemented by a Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. The henro also carries a Script error: No such module "Nihongo". containing Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., Script error: No such module "Nihongo". (also known as Script error: No such module "Nihongo".), a Script error: No such module "Nihongo". to collect Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., and Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. The more religiously-minded henro may also carry a Script error: No such module "Nihongo". and Script error: No such module "Nihongo". set with a bell.[13]
Rites
Upon arrival at each temple the henro washes before proceeding to the Hondō. After offering coins, incense, and the osame-fuda, the Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is chanted along with repetition of the Mantra of the Script error: No such module "Nihongo". and the Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. After kigan and ekō (prayers and dedication of merit), the henro proceeds to the Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. Coins and a fuda are similarly offered, and again the Heart Sutra is chanted, along with repetition of the Gohōgō Mantra, namu-Daishi-henjō-kongō.[13]
UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Since 2010, Shikoku's prefectural governments, NPO members, and local leaders have worked toward achieving UNESCO World Heritage status for the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Currently, it is recognized as a "Provisional Candidate" by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, or a cultural asset which has not yet been added to Japan's World Heritage Tentative List but which should 'proceed with preparations.'[14]
Imitative versions
Attesting to the popularity of the Shikoku pilgrimage, from the eighteenth century a number of smaller imitative versions have been established.[7] These include a Template:Convert circuit on Shōdo Island northeast of Takamatsu;[15] a Template:Convert course on the grounds of Ninna-ji in Kyoto;[16] a route on the Chita Peninsula near Nagoya;[17] and circuits in Edo and Chiba Prefecture.[7] Outside Japan, another version is on the Hawaiʻi on the island of Kauai.[18]
List of Main 88 Temples
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List of 20 Bekkaku Temples
| Number | Temple Name | Location | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template:Ill (大山寺) | Kamiita, Tokushima | |
| 2 | Dōgaku-ji (童学寺) | Ishii, Tokushima | |
| 3 | Template:Ill (慈眼寺) | Kamikatsu, Tokushima | |
| 4 | Template:Ill (八坂寺) | Kaiyō, Tokushima | |
| 5 | Template:Ill (大善寺) | Susaki, Kouchi | |
| 6 | Template:Ill(龍光院) | Uwajima, Ehime | |
| 7 | Template:Ill(出石寺) | Oozushi, Ehime | |
| 8 | Template:Ill (永徳寺) | Oozushi, Ehime | |
| 9 | Template:Ill (文珠院) | Matsuyama, Ehime | |
| 10 | Template:Ill (西山興隆寺) | Saijou, Ehime | |
| 11 | Template:Ill (正善寺) | Saijou, Ehime | |
| 12 | Template:Ill (延命寺) | Shikoku Chuuou, Ehime | |
| 13 | Template:Ill (仙龍寺) | Shikoku Chuuou, Ehime | |
| 14 | Template:Ill (常福寺) | Shikoku Chuuou, Ehime | |
| 15 | Template:Ill (箸蔵寺) | Myoushi, Tokushima | |
| 16 | Template:Ill (萩原寺) | Kannon-ji city, Kagawa | |
| 17 | Template:Ill (神野寺) | Man'nou, Kagawa | |
| 18 | Template:Ill (海岸寺) | Tadotsu, Kagawa | |
| 19 | Template:Ill (香西寺) | Takamatsu, Kagawa | |
| 20 | Template:Ill(大瀧寺) | Mima, Tokushima |
See also
- Shingon
- Kōyasan
- Japan 100 Kannon, pilgrimage composed of the Saigoku, Bandō and Chichibu pilgrimages
- Saigoku 33 Kannon, pilgrimage in the Kansai region
- Bandō 33 Kannon, pilgrimage in the Kantō region
- Chichibu 34 Kannon, pilgrimage in Saitama Prefecture
- Musashino Kannon Pilgrimage, pilgrimage in Tokyo and Saitama prefectures
- Chūgoku 33 Kannon, pilgrimage in the Chūgoku region
- Kannon
- Buddhism in Japan
- Tourism in Japan
References
Further reading
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External links
Template:Wikivoyage Template:Sister project
- Template:In lang About Shikoku Pilgrimage
- Template:In lang A Basic Guide to the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Japan National Tourism Organization)
- Template:In lang The Shikoku Henro World Heritage Inscription Council Office
- Template:In lang Documentary movie about the 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Template:Walking routes Template:Authority control
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- ↑ Reader, Ian (2005). Making Pilgrimages: Meaning and Practice in Shikoku. University of Hawaii Press, p. 318. Template:ISBN
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- Pages with script errors
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- Shikoku region
- Buddhist pilgrimages
- Shingon Buddhism
- Religious buildings and structures in Ehime Prefecture
- Religious buildings and structures in Kagawa Prefecture
- Religious buildings and structures in Kōchi Prefecture
- Religious buildings and structures in Tokushima Prefecture
- Japanese pilgrimages