Monthly Archives: February 2017

    Ehime Prefecture, Place of Enlightenment, Temples 40 – 65   Coming to Ehime Prefecture (temples 39, 40)   Weather changes fast at the Pacific Ocean.  It was rainy all day, however, I did not mind.  The rain was warm and soft and made the vegetation vivid green.           Temple area of Kanjizaiji (temple 40), first temple in Ehime Prefecture         Eight Buddhas in a row for twelve zodiac years splashed by a woman with water for having good luck.             Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha (Dainichi, lit. “Great Sun”), serves as a patron for people born in the Zodiac Years of Sheep and the Monkey. He is the center of Shingon Buddhism. Binzuru (Pindola Bharadvaja), one of the four Arhats asked by Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhism   Each one was connected with one of the four compass directions.  He is depicted with extremely long eyebrows.  It is believed that he has curative powers.  Sick people rub the part of his body corresponding to their sick part to get cured.  He often wears red bibs and caps, as he also watches over the health of babies.           … Continue reading →

    Kongōfukuji (temple 38) and Cape Ashizuri-Misaki       It was a gorgeous day when I arrived in Kongōfukuji, the temple of eternal bliss, At the most sourthern area of Shikoku. I could have stayed hours in this place. With no wind at all, … Continue reading →

  Beauty everywhere (temples 36,37)   There were many moments during my pilgrimage where I was thinking that it could not become more beautiful – that this moment was the pivotal point, unsurpassable – and yet, beauty appeared over and … Continue reading →

  Jizō Bosatsu, guardian of children and travellers ( temple 34 – 35)     Jizōs and Kannon are the most popular figures in Japan.  Jizōs are everywhere, not only in temples, but also along walkways and streets and, as … Continue reading →