- 2023.07.27
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Ohenro Journals.Be the ripple of kindness
“What a journey! I experienced the seasons change, cherry blossoms fade away, the cold move to hot and onto the rainy season…I watched the rice paddy fields be planted and slowly grow. I tasted food I never thought existed. I met extreme kindness that I didn’t think was possible in this world. My mindset changed. I made new friends and connected with nature on the deepest level. I conquered my fears of traveling solo and camping out alone. I feel stronger, yet softer. I have a deep clarity and a lot of my boundaries I thought were necessary have now melted away.”
“Thank you Shikoku, the people, the place, the monks, Kobo Daishi…you have changed my life.”
“On to the next adventure and I plan to keep spreading that magical kindness (osettai) along the way. As if the ripples of Shikoku and the pilgrimage will reach out across the world and make this earth a kinder place. Be the ripple!!!”
Kiera Blaney (@Hey Kiera) completed the entire 1200-kilometer Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage last month, vlogging her journey every step of the way. The text above was the reflection she shared with us in her post about finishing the pilgrimage, and I think we can all take away so much from the level of clarity and tenderness that’s expressed in her words after the 45-day trek
Ohenro tip
Kiera’s biggest tip is...say yes to the path, and what’s given to you. Learn about the culture, ask locals about their religion, and request to pray with them if you like. Also, if you’re hesitant about doing the pilgrimage because you don’t speak any Japanese…don’t be! Kiera completed the pilgrimage without knowing any Japanese, by using gestures and relying on Google Translate when needed (make sure to have data on your phone as well as a SIM card so you can book accommodation and check maps)! She said most locals spoke at least a few English words and offered friendly support regardless of the language barrier
Learn more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
Kiera just released a compilation of her pilgrimage vlogs on her YouTube channel! Definitely check it out and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@heykiera_
“Thank you Shikoku, the people, the place, the monks, Kobo Daishi…you have changed my life.”
“On to the next adventure and I plan to keep spreading that magical kindness (osettai) along the way. As if the ripples of Shikoku and the pilgrimage will reach out across the world and make this earth a kinder place. Be the ripple!!!”
Kiera Blaney (@Hey Kiera) completed the entire 1200-kilometer Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage last month, vlogging her journey every step of the way. The text above was the reflection she shared with us in her post about finishing the pilgrimage, and I think we can all take away so much from the level of clarity and tenderness that’s expressed in her words after the 45-day trek
Ohenro tip
Kiera’s biggest tip is...say yes to the path, and what’s given to you. Learn about the culture, ask locals about their religion, and request to pray with them if you like. Also, if you’re hesitant about doing the pilgrimage because you don’t speak any Japanese…don’t be! Kiera completed the pilgrimage without knowing any Japanese, by using gestures and relying on Google Translate when needed (make sure to have data on your phone as well as a SIM card so you can book accommodation and check maps)! She said most locals spoke at least a few English words and offered friendly support regardless of the language barrier
Learn more about the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/henro
Kiera just released a compilation of her pilgrimage vlogs on her YouTube channel! Definitely check it out and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@heykiera_
