Hi,
Before I neglect this blog again for a few weeks I need to upload some of the photos that I took on the last Ohenro trip. It has been a great experience so I thought I should share some of what I have been seeing with you here.
This is from the temple called Kichihouji.
The above photo is one of a rock with a hole in it. In order to receive good luck you will need to stand in front of the Main Hall, close your eyes and advance towards this stone. If you can put your walking staff through the hole without opening your eyes, good fortune will come your way.
The next set of three is from Temple 61: Kounji.
Next we traveled to Temple 60: Yokomineji. And this was rather spectacular.
The trip to the top of the mountain was rather wild. A LOT of hairpin turns as the minibuses flew up the mountain. The drivers seemed to have a lot of experience, but I noticed I was gripping the seat in front of me a little tightly.
The next temple we visited was Temple 59: Kokubunji. At this temple you can shake hands with Koubou Daishi and also touch a giant vase that is said to give healing and protection to various parts of the body. Touch the corresponding character and then yourself (neck, back, head, legs etc) and you may feel something.
And our last visit of the day brought us to Temple 58: Senyuuji.
It was another splendid day spent among the temples and traveling with pilgrims. The people I meet on these trips are always so kind and gentle. It has been such a great learning experience for me in many ways, and I am very much looking forward to the next trip we take later this month. It will be a two-day trip and a visit also to a famous hot spring as well overnight. Will keep you posted here. Thanks for dropping by, and also very much hoping you will drop by in person! The Ohenro pilgrimage is for EVERYONE. You are most welcome to come out this way and visit the temples as you like. There is some not-bad materials on line to help guide you, and you can also check out my own Ohenro site too!
That would be at www.yourjapanesepilgrimage.com . Hope to see you on the path sometime in the days to come!
All the best,
Mark