People go on the 88 temple pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku for a myriad of reasons—some looking for forgiveness, some to honor a commitment to a deceased family member, some merely looking to experience the beauty of Shikoku. I came to this centuries old Buddhist pilgrimage hoping to gain a foothold into my past, and insight into my future. Equipped with only a backpack, guidebook and a sense of adventure, I calmly took my first step into what turned out to be a life-changing experience.
Pilgrimage is a fundamental part of many world religions; from the Hajj in Islam and the Kumbh Mela in Hinduism to the pilgrimages to Santiago and Rome in Christianity.
Oamenii merg in pelerinajul celor 88 de temple de pe insula Shikoku dintr-un sumedenie de motive: unii cauta iertarea, altii onoreaza o promisiune facuta unui membru defunct al familiei iar altii doar vor sa se bucure de frumusetile insulei. Eu am venit la acest pelerinaj budist vechi de sute de ani sperand sa-mi gasesc punct de sprijin in trecutul meu si o perspectiva asupra viitorului. Echipat doar cu un rucsac, ghidul turistic si simtul aventurii am facut calm primul pas in ceea ce s-a dovedit o experienta care mi-a schimbat viata.
Pelerinajul este a parte fundamentala a multor religii ale lumii; de la hagialacul la Meca in Islam sau al hindusilor la fluviile sacre pana la pelerinajele crestinilor la Santiago de Compostela sau Roma.
