The bento box supper last night was good, since there was no food provided at the Station Hotel. Had good night sleep. Breakfast at the Hotel was at 7am.
Yesterday I forgot to mention, when I went to get my book stamped, the monk had the most friendly small white poodle dog. He was the ruler of the counter, but so well behaved. I asked if I could pat him and tried to tell the monk I have two small dogs at home. Kind of made me homesick for home. I gave the monk a Canadian pin, which they always appreciate and thanked him for sharing his dog with me.
I like to try and read some of the background of each temple the night before. Since I was up early, and had my shower, I decided to read up on the six temples I hope to visit today.
Temple 57- At the summit of Mt Fuji, Kukai conducted a fire ritual (goma), in order to prevent accidents at sea. Amida Nyorai appeared from the ocean. On each side of the Main Hall there are copies of the "Buddhist feet rocks" from the temple in India where Shaka achieved enlightenment.
Temple 58 - Built in mid 7th century. One legend is the main deity was carved by a female dragon, which came up from the Ryuto-gawa river from the ocean.
Temple 59 - There is a statue of Kukai, which you can shake hands and make a wish. As well, if you touch the vase of Yakushi while praying, it is believed that you will be cured of any illness.
Temple 62 - In front of the gate stands the oldest stone monument of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Temple 63 - The only Temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage that had Bishamon Ten as its main deity, which was made by Kukai. There is a rock with a hole in the middle. It is said if you can walk from the Main Hall with one's eyes closed, while saying your wish and you are able to put your staff thru the hole that your prayer will come true.
Temple 64 - On the 20th of each month the three Zao Gongen statues are open for public viewing and it is believed that if you rub a part of your body on it that the sickness will be healed.
The weather was wonderful again. It started off as a nice walk. However, to get to Temple 58, there was a mountain to climb and lots of steps. Only 281 meters, "a walk in the park", compared to some other climbs. Kukai was happy he was on his mountains again!!!
On the way down from temple 58, I met a Japanese ohenro, who was driving and offered me osettai. He showed me his binder of all the foreigner ohenros he has met over the years. He asked where I was from and if I would write a note and took my picture. He gave me a red osame-fuda and said this was his 27th time. The scenery on the way down was beautiful. I didn't notice it on the way up, as I was huffing and puffing.
I liked the Un-gyo and A-gyo in the Gate of Temple 58, so took a picture for the blog.
At temple 59, I made a wish as I shook Kukai's hand.
Walked to the train station and took the train to temple 62. When I went to get my book stamped it was closed. I asked someone and they said the sign said closed for lunch, be back at 13:00, so had 45 minutes to wait. I walked around and found a 100 yen shop and enjoyed the time looking around. I was able to buy some string and large needle to repair my sedge hat, as the head strap was becoming lose. As well, was able to buy some plastic zipper bags for my cell phone and other stuff to keep them dry from the rain. Getting ready for the next rain downpour.
Spent some time at Temple 63, trying to walk with my eyes closed, to see if I could get my walking stick in the hole in the stone. After about 10 tries I got it. A Japanese lady, who was watching this crazy foreigner walking with his eyes closed, clapped when I did it. It took me another 30 tries to get it the second time. Hope my wish comes true.
Temple 64 was very nice and enjoyed the huge new Main Hall and the waterfall falling over the Fudo Myoo statue. The statue had a beautiful aged and rusty look to it.
I then walked to the onsen where I am staying at. I will enjoy the soak in the onsen and they have a washer, so I can do my laundry. The young woman at the reception could speak some English and checked me in. The room is wonderful and I can soak in the onsen til it closes at 10 pm. I did a load of laundry, as my sweaty clothes, from the last two days needed a good washing. On my way to the onsen she asked if she could join me for supper, so she could practice her English. I said "by all means". She said she had visited Vancouver and wanted to learn more English.
All in all, a good day. Tomorrow will be a tough 709 meter climb to Temple 60, which is a 10 km climb and then back down again. Then, I will do Temple 61, where I am staying close to.
Picture 1: Temple 57 - Main Hall with Buddha footprint statues.
Picture 2: Temple 58 - Gate with Un-gyo and A-gyo.
Picture 3: Temple 59 - Kukai statue with lucky hand shake.
Picture 4:Temple 62 - washing station.
Picture 5: Temple 63 - Gate.
Picture 6: Temple 63 - stone with hole in it, on left.
Picture 7: Temple 64 - Main Hall.
Picture 2: Temple 58 - Gate with Un-gyo and A-gyo.
Picture 3: Temple 59 - Kukai statue with lucky hand shake.
Picture 4:Temple 62 - washing station.
Picture 5: Temple 63 - Gate.
Picture 6: Temple 63 - stone with hole in it, on left.
Picture 7: Temple 64 - Main Hall.
Keep up your efforts and enjoyment of the journey. Be carefl not to rush at all during the last days so that you can hear the wind and Kukai walking with you.
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