Temple 27 Konomine-ji is designated as the sekishodera or spiritual checkpoint temple of Kōchi prefecture. On Shikoku 88, each prefecture has a sekishodera where Kōbō Daishi examines a pilgrim’s spiritual motives and decides whether he or she will be permitted to continue. If you are judged as a wrongdoer, you are not allowed to pass through the checkpoint to the next temple.
Sekishoderas on Shikoku’s prefectures:
Tokushima : Temple 19 Tatsue-ji
Kochi: Temple 27 Konomine-ji
Ehime: Temple 60 Yokomine-ji
Kagawa: Temple 66 Upen-ji
Note: Sekisho means spiritual checkpoint or checkup; –dera means temple.
Everyday Sekisho
Having adapted the ohenro life now, I think about and examine my motivation. There are day to day challenges of finding and visiting temples, places to eat and sleep, staying healthy and fit.
Each day begins with an equal chance of failure or success that I am eager to see how it ends. I overthink things and I am working on that.
My feet are pointed in the right direction (mentally and physically) the majority of the time. I will get “there” as long as I continue walking.
Walk with me.
The temple is located near the summit of Mt. Kōnomine at the end of a very steep road.
Temple 27 Konomine-ji
Konimine-ji ‘s sacred ground vibrates with healing, solace, and personal renewal. It is a beautiful, green place that invites meditation and strengthens faith.
The temple is recognized as one of the more challenging destinations on Shikoku 88 due to its mountainous location and steep approach, It is one of the hardest temples to reach by climbing in Kochi prefecture.
Kōnomine no mizu (the water of Kōnomine) flows out between the rocks behind the bell tower.
A woman, who had a severe illness, saw Kukai in her dream. He told her to drink this water. After she did, the ailment went away.
Konomine-ji continues to stand as a beacon of faith, tradition, and natural beauty, And a test toward enlightenment.
Time to Move Along!
Another night on the trail
See you next time.
Baadaye and Mata Ne (またね)
Shirley J ♥️
During the spring of 2024, I began a pilgrimage in Japan where I am walking 1200 kilometers or 720 miles on the Shikoku trail from Temple 1 Ryōzenji to Temple 88 Ōkuboji and beyond. Read my original announcement here.
I am excited, and I am here, still walking. And just know this, I will return to tell the tale!
