Japon - Pilgrimage of Shikoku 2014 - Part 3 : Illumination
Hello everyone,
While waiting for better days to come, perhaps you’ve found within yourself Illumination — that inner light that holds the keys to healing, brings back a sense of joy and meaning, and sparks the desire to embark on new adventures.
"Illumination" on the Pilgrimage of the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku
This is the third stage of this spiritual journey: Illumination, the result of deep reflection and mindful steps along the way.
I feel serene, fully present in the moment. My mind is clear and calm. I move from temple to temple, following paths and roads, crossing mountain passes and valleys. A gentle rhythm settles in — a source of stability and comfort — creating new reference points and strengthening my self-confidence. Within this safe inner space, ideas blossom and new intentions emerge. I feel incredibly fortunate to live this experience. Soon, the next stage awaits: Nirvana.
My Story
Upon entering the province of Ehime, the land of Illumination, I had already completed 600 kilometers — halfway through the journey. I leave behind the wild western coastline and Temple 40, Kanjizaiji. The days are peaceful, yet physically challenging, especially across the undulating terrain that leads from Temples 41 to 45.
On my bicycle, I relish the descents into the coastal plains filled with the scent of the sea. I pass from Temple 46 to 51, heading toward the city of Matsuyama, known for its traditional bathhouses, or o-furo, which inspired Hayao Miyazaki for Spirited Away. The eastern coast is beautiful, and I take great joy in riding freely along the flat terrain, visiting Temples 52 through 59.
It’s at this point that the illumination occurs: I realize this is my very first “real” cycling journey. Like trekking in Nepal, what matters most is not just the physical path, but the inner one as well. Riding along the sea, the temples begin to cluster together: 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 — then 61 to 65. I continue steadily, approaching the final stage: Supreme Nirvana.
Temples 60 and 66 (a brief return into Tokushima Prefecture), with their 800 meters of positive elevation, are a strong reminder that life is not a straight and peaceful river. The climb is tough, but the views from above are breathtaking.
For weeks, the kindness and generosity of fellow pilgrims have been transforming me. We exchange smiles, sweets, small wooden trinkets, bells, figurines… simple gestures filled with warmth and humanity.
Now it’s time to move forward to the next chapter: Nirvana.
You can discover the third part of this pilgrimage in images, from Temple 40 to Temple 65 (and follow the remaining folios for what comes next).
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