Junrei

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Junrei (巡礼) is the word most commonly used for either of two major types of pilgrimages in Japan, in accordance with Buddhism or Shinto. These pilgrimages can be made as a visit to a group of temples, shrines, or other holy sites, in a particular order, often in a circuit of 33 or 88 sites. Other pilgrimages may center on a pilgrimage to a single site. One of the most popular pilgrimages for Buddhists in Japan is visiting the 88 temples on Shikoku.

Pilgrimages can be organised by tour bus companies, taking only a couple of weeks to complete, although many pilgrims prefer to take the two- or three-month-long journeys on foot in the traditional manner.

Pilgrims on the Shikoku junrei are referred to as henro (遍路) and traditionally wear straw hats and white clothing.

There are a number of rules traditionally observed while on a junrei.

  • Say the name of Kobo-Daishi following one's devotion it's preceded every thing.(Kobo-Daishi is Kūkai's name in his life, Kūkai is his posthumous name)
  • Pilgrimage as the ascetic.
  • Must not kill any living things.
  • Must not say immoral things to women.
  • Have some medicines for your unexpected bad condition.
  • Must not drink any alcohol.
  • Do not quarrel with your partner.
  • Do not have a lot of money.
  • Do not have unnecessary baggages.
  • Pay attention to your foods' hygiene.
  • Go to an inn before it gets dark.
  • Must not go out of an inn during the night.

During the Shikoku Pilgrimage, everyone will experience bad, hard and sad things. It's the good office of Kobo-Daishi, so you must receive these difficulty as thankfully. And you must have kindness of heart to your partner and people you encounter. It is important to help each other in junrei. The experiences of them would be something very large part in your heart and your life.

(They are from "Kannon junei" written by Shimizu Keikou )

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