S
ince ancient times, Mt. Iyadani was worshipped as a sacred mountain. It is venerated as one of the three most sacred places in Japan. Believers accept that Buddhas and deities lived in these mountains.
Iyadani-ji is half the way up on Mt. Iyadani. Eight provinces (including Shikoku) around the Seto Inland Sea can be seen from the top.
71 Iyadani-Ji
Temple Of The Eight Valleys
These beliefs – legends and facts – led to the development of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Niomon gate.
Detail: close up of the exquisite wood carving on the Nio guardian.
The promenade after entering the gate.
Daishi hall. Goshuin for stamp books are collected here. Shoes must be removed half-way up the steps in order to enter the place. Of course, my poor feet had to bear that pain. The meaning of asceticism reveals itself here!
The power of 108
There are in Buddhism, 108 passions, 108 lies, and 108 afflictions or delusions of the mind.
Mala necklaces with 108 beads help facilitate meditation. Each bead represents overcoming one of the 108 afflictions or delusions, guiding you towards enlightenment.
Red bannisters and 108 steps! Treat them like mala beads. Walk, meditate, deepen awareness, and think about the quality of your life.
Kongoken Botsatsu: believed to bring good luck for illness.
Main hall.
Tahoto is a two-storied pagoda up quite a few steps.
A big belfry bell or bonshĹ sits on the veranda of this building. This is an opportunity to see one up close. It may be getting a tune-up and cleaning.
Water cave.
The temple buildings are built on rock formed from volcanic ash. Some of the buildings, including the main hall, are embedded in the rocky walls of the mountain. Also, many of the statues here are carved from the same rock.
Contrasting Kukai’s practice of asceticism at temple 73, he studied and practiced esoteric Buddhism here in the caves.
Another ohenro friend.
This is a backward look at the temple through the Niomon gate.
When you leave the temple here, you should never look back. If you do, youâll return with the dead on your back.
Too late.
I heard this earlier at temple 73! Maybe you shouldn’t look back at any temple on the Mairi path, at all. According to the legend, temple 71 is where they must return after their walk with those who grieve and mourn for them.
See you next time.
Baadaye and Mata Ne (ăžăă)
Shirley J âĽď¸
This and several posts this summer will chronicle my pilgrimage in Japan where I am walking the 1200 kilometer-long Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Read my announcement here.
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