It's true, it's always quicker on the way back. At least that's what we told ourselves as we walked back on the same (still) deserted road, from temple number 4 to Jizo-ji, temple number 5.
There is something about the familiarity of the surroundings I suppose, that tricks your mind into thinking that the distance is shorter.
There is something about the familiarity of the surroundings I suppose, that tricks your mind into thinking that the distance is shorter.
I almost did not see these two weatherworn stones, almost hidden under the trees. At first I thought they were jizo but they were really stones with some inscriptions carved onto them. They looked quite old and I wonder what they are and how long they have been there.
Along the way, we passed by a shrine, Yamagami-jinja, pushed up against the hillside. We bowed
to the kami in residence then walked on and left them in peace.
Our favourite road companion, the pilgrimage wooden marker makes an appearance with the information that from this point, it is just 1.6 kilometres to Jizo-ji (and 500 meters back to
Dainichi-ji). The sun's glare has softened and a cooler breeze accompanies us as we enjoy a more comfortable walk to the temple.
My kongozue and I prepare to enter the gate of Jizo-ji. Do you see the small henro figure tied to my staff? He's been with me to the Camino, the Kumano Kodo and now, we're walking together again
on this Shikoku pilgrimage.
The first thing I saw when I entered the temple grounds was this large statue of Kobo Daishi. He stands benevolently gazing at everyone who enters Jizo-ji.
The temple Jizo-ji enshrines Jizo, one of the most popular Japanese deities and protector of unborn children. Kobo Daishi established Jizo-ji in the early ninth century and is said to have carved a small statue of Jizo which has since been encased in a bigger stone statue. You have probably seen Jizo on one of your travels to Japan -- they are the small stone statues that are usually outfitted with a red bib and a red cap.
There were a few people praying inside the Hondo. They were obviously locals and not pilgrims.
Like the temples and shrines along the Kumano Kodo, the temples of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage are active "working" temples, they serve the needs of the local communities. They are not just tourist sites or attractions.
Like the temples and shrines along the Kumano Kodo, the temples of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage are active "working" temples, they serve the needs of the local communities. They are not just tourist sites or attractions.
A very large gingko tree stands between the Daishido and the Hondo. The lady in the temple said that it is over 800 years old. Because it is so huge, its shade extends almost all throughout the courtyard. It added to Jizo-ji's laid back, rustic appeal.
One photo with Kobo Daishi before we leave the temple. Our first day as henro ended here in
Jizo-ji. Tomorrow we'll visit a few more temples here in Tokushima Prefecture before moving on
to the rest of Shikoku Island.
P.S
This is the temple seal of Jizo-ji and my photo of the Daishido, which looks almost like the sketch depicted in the nokyocho.
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