The Priceless Treasure of Walking the Henro Path

Spring and autumn are lovely seasons in Japan, and during each of these extremely beautiful times of the year the Kagawa International Affairs Division holds its Shikokku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Experience for International Residents and Visitors.  Twice each year, we venture out to some of Kagawa’s superb Buddhist Temples, learning about Kobodaishi Kukai (the legendary monk who inspired the creation of the pilgrimage circuit), the pilgrimage’s history, and the living pilgrimage culture that thrives to this day.

This spring, on Saturday May 14^th, we took a trip far out to the western reaches of the prefecture and visited three temples in Mitoyo City and Kanonji City: Daikoji, Kannonji, and Jinnein.  The walk was as beautiful as ever, and rather pleasant and easy-going, as it was a rather flat course.

What made this experience particularly interesting were the guests in attendance.  We were very lucky to have the Ambassador of Thailand, His Excellency Virasakdi Futrakul, Mrs. Futrakul, and Minister Counselor Waravudh Pouapinya of the Thai Embassy in attendance.  In addition, we were happy to be joined by David Moreton, an expert on the Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples who currently teaches at Tokushima Bunri University, and many local international residents of Kagawa.

What was particularly interesting on this trip was learning from our guests from Thailand about their take on Buddhism.  Some of their delegation are extremely devout Buddhists, and it was truly inspiring to see the awe and reverence which they directed at not only the temples, but the whole walking experience.

The temples of Kannonji and Jinnein actually share a single site very near the sea in Kanonji City, and it was there that we received another very interesting surprise.  The assistant head priest of the temples, after giving us a very moving speech about the necessity of approaching the pilgrimage (as well as life in general) with a healthy sense of balance, treated us to the rare sight of the temples’ treasure room, where we found ancient drawings, statues, and Buddhist implements.  I will always remember how one of the members of the Thai delegation took the time in that room to bow so deeply before these priceless Buddhist treasures that his head just about touched the floor. 

Something else that I will always remember is the wonderful feeling of being closer to nature and closer to the companions surrounding me as we ticked off the kilometers on our trek.  I am fortunate that I will continue to experience such valuable memories when we set off again in the autumn!

By Chris McCabe