Adventure On Goshikidai

日本語
Our group of foreign resident “Henro” pilgrims assembled on Sunday November 14, 2010 in the quiet space of Kokubunji Temple.  After paying our respects there, we set about climbing the steep path up Goshikidai Plateau.  As we made our approach to the summit, many of us were breathing quite hard.  However, we all experienced something just below the peak that really lifted our spirits back up.  We had heard that if you hold out birdseed at a certain spot on the trail, then small birds called yamagara (cyanistes varius) will flock down from the surrounding trees.  When we actually tried this, we found that, sure enough, it worked!  Having these birds lithely perch on and peck the seeds from our hands was a thrill that brought us all a very warm feeling of happiness. 

Such wonderful joy!

Offering up birdseed to
The yamagara

We reached the top of the plateau and headed for Shiramineji.  As we walked, the trees would sometimes open up and we could see the Sanuki Plains, dotted with hills painted a deep autumn red.  We bowed our heads at the main hall when we arrived at Shiramineji.  To the side of the hall was a yellow maple tree burning with vivid brightness, and it was as if we could feel the presence of the Buddha himself.

The late autumn leaves

Of Shiramine Temple
Shining Brilliantly

We trod for many kilometers on the undulating path leading from Shiramineji to Negoroji.  Our legs began to tire, but we finally reached the last temple of our trek.  The assistant head priest of Negoroji was kind enough to greet us and talk to us about the origin of the temple’s name, its history, and its legends.  Among his stories, the most interesting by far was that of the “Cow Demon.”  This was a monster of lore who was said to have terrorized the local citizens.  However, an intrepid archer came, and after praying at the temple for 21 days, he set out and defeated the great Cow Demon.  The Cow Demon’s horns are said to be kept at the temple to this day, and there is a frightening statue of the beast near the main gate, with his claws perpetually pointed out in animosity.

Gazing away at

Early winter maple leaves –
Cow Demon’s Statue

Our band of pilgrims left Negoroji, and strung out along the mountain road, we slowly made our way to Kinashi Station, our ending point.  After 18 kilometers of pilgrimage, our hearts were very content.