Carpe Diem #400, Hatsumisakiji (Temple 24)

Dear O-Henro ... Haijin, visitors and travelers,

Today we will enter Kochi Prefecture, the ''second country'' on Shikoku Island were we are walking in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi (774-835) along the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. And we have a little celebration today, because this is our 400th episode of Carpe Diem ... another mile-stone in our young life as a haiku-family. What a joy you all have brought me and still bring me as I read all your wonderful haiku, senryu, tanka, kyoka and haibun shared here with us all. I feel proud and humble, because I may be your host here ...
Four hundred episodes ago I started with this daily haiku meme and we have evolved to a wonderful and loving community in which everyone can feel free and save. Thank you all for being here, thank you all for being part of this haiku-family.

feeling proud
one single red rose on a vase -
everlasting love

(c) Chèvrefeuille

Hatsumisakiji (Temple 24) is devoted to Kokuzo Bosatsu or the Buddha of boundless space, of wisdom and emptiness. Kokūzō is especially important to Japan’s Shingon sect of Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō 密教). Kokūzō symbolizes the "vast and boundless" Buddha wisdom that permeates the universe. In Japan, believers pray to Kokūzō to grant them wisdom on their quest toward enlightenment. They also pray to Kokūzō to improve their memory, technical skills, and artistic talents.

Kokuzo Bosatsu

With arriving at Hatsumisakiji we have entered Kochi Prefecture in the city called Muroto which is on the shores of the Island and very well known for it's Cape Muroto.

Cape Muroto (Kochi Prefecture Japan)

Kochi Prefecture is an old part of Shikoku and in the 17th century it was known as Tosa Province. Kochi has a rich history and here in this prefecture one of the only 12 Japanese castles which are left in Japan is situated here on Shikoku in the Kochi Prefecture.

Kochi Castle

So next to the Hatsumisakiji temple there is more to see here in Muroto in Kochi Prefecture, but we are on a pilgrimage and do we have time to visit those sides ... of course we will have time, because walking through this beautiful ''country'' is a pilgrimage already. Pilgrmages are not always just for visiting churches and temples ... the roads and paths between them are more important. On the roads and paths you can meditate and contemplate about all things happening around you. Be aware of the nature around you. See the beauty of Mother Earth, seek for her inner beauty ... just remember ... be like a child. A child can be happy with just a wonderful flower, a nice leaf or just a smile. Let the child inside you come out and enjoy the pilgrimage chanting, dancing, laughing and weeping ... the path will lead you ... think about what you are longing for while you are on this (virtual) pilgrimage and what your final goal is which you want to accomplish ...

silence ...
only the song of a bird
and rustling leaves

(c) Chèvrefeuille

This episode will be open for your submissions tonight at 7.00 PM (CET) and will remain open until February 16th 11.59 AM (CET). I will (try to) publish our next episode of Carpe Diem's Shikoku Pilgrimage, Kongochoji (Temple 26), later on today.