日本語
After gathering at Nagaoji Temple, we all donned the white byakue vests worn by the pilgrims on the 88 Temple Circuit, and we firmly gripped our kongōjō pilgrim staffs. As we stood beneath a giant camphor tree, a monk from the temple taught us about the history of Nagaoji, including the fact that on the temple’s main hall can still be found the family crest of the Matsudaira Clan – the feudal lords of Takamatsu who used to give patronage to the temple.
Nagao Temple-
Hollyhock family crest
Adorns the main hall
Relaxed and at ease, we walked to Maeyama Dam, where we took a break. At the “Henro Salon” there, we ate our packed lunches as we gazed at the verdant trees around us. As we set out again, the clouds in the sky darkened and we were afraid it might rain. Yet intrepidly, we carried on along the mountain road. As we climbed up the slope, the nature around us became ever more impressive. We spotted wild animals, such as birds and monkeys, and amongst the mountain farmers’ fields, we heard the sound of golden stalks of wheat whispering in the wind.
Flying round and round
A black kite riding the wind-
Wheat harvesting time
In the end, the rain we had worried about never really came, but the final road up to Mt. Nyotai was quite difficult. However, it was extremely impressive to stand at the peak there and take in the beautiful scenery below. As we arrived at the final temple of the 88 Temple Circuit, Ōkuboji, our byakue were thoroughly drenched with sweat, and yet we all held a great feeling of accomplishment. While bowing in prayer at the Kobo-Daishi Hall of the temple, I thought about all of the pilgrims who trek along the entire 88 Temple Circuit throughout the year, and I could really appreciate their effort.
At Ōkuboji
A group of summer pilgrims
Slumps to take a rest
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