The smallest of the 4 main islands in Tokyo has a network of 88 temples. It is a tradition to see all 88. Some people walk it. After they retire.
Motoka, Shigaku, Hiroshi
refPod3Per3GA
script
Ohenro
A: Oh! What’s the matter with your leg?
B: I broke my leg when training…
A: Why did you do such hard exercise?
B: I was planning to do Ohenro on foot after retirement, so I intended to build up my strength.
A: Ohenro? You mean the pilgrimage where you walk around the smallest island of the main 4 that make up Japan? Shikoku? You hike and around the island and enter the 88temples?
B: Of course! I saw a TV program introducing Ohenro, the Shikoku Pilgrimage and knew it is popular among retired people recently. I believe in Buddhism especially in the Shingon sect, so I came to want to go the seashores, the mountains and the capes where its founder Kukai engaged in ascetic practices. The temples I expected to visit in the pilgrimage are located in such places. Since the Edo era, the pilgrimage spread from Buddhist priests to normal private citizens. Look! These are my pilgrimage costume! A white robe, a sedge hat, a walking stick…
A: Uh…
B: What’s the matter?
A: To tell the truth, I made the pilgrimage there last year by bicycle, and now I’m remembering my 3week trip, a 1200 kilometer journey…
B: Really? I didn’t know that!
A: Yes, it was a difficult trip. When I was going along the shores, a wind from the sea blew me and it was very cold. There is also a mountain road which is so bad that I couldn’t go up by bicycle and had to use a ropeway!
B: I can imagine that. At first, I planned to do the pilgrimage by tour bus, but had second thoughts. I believe it’s important to walk the hard way and cultivate virtue. Yet, I have my leg broken…
A: I really sympathize with you. The pilgrimage was really an irreplaceable experience. I can recall the scene of the temple. I read a sutra, offered a votive card there, and the priest gave me the sign of visit printed Indian ink and stamped in red on the note for the pilgrimage. Also, the local residents are very kind and they gave the pilgrims some food or drinks.
B: I envy you. Hmm… I have to heal my leg as soon as possible and go to the pilgrimage!
A: Make haste slowly. In the first place, there is no need to finish the pilgrimage at one time. You can go at your own pace. I heard that there are many people doing the pilgrimage for healing or knowing themselves. I met many young people on the way.
B: That’s true.
A: I have an idea! I’ll give you my bicycle which I used last year! It may have a benefit of Kukai, which means… You can ride it to pilgrimage! Here! Riding bicycle may lighten the burden on your leg.
B: Thank you…but doesn’t it get rusty? It looks dangerous to go up the mountains by this bicycle…