If you're thinking of starting the Shikoku Pilgrimage, what kind of equipment will you need to buy? In fact, you don't need anything except for your passion. But if the people of Shikoku Island recognize you as a pilgrim, "Ohenro-san", they will treat you to hospitality, "Osettai". Therefore, you should dress up as a pilgrim, and you can be helped by them.
- About the equipment for the Shikoku Pilgrimage
About the equipment for the Shikoku Pilgrimage
I tell you the equipment for the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage paraphernalia
Do you know what kind of equipment you start to the trip of the Shikoku pilgrimage? I tell you the ordinary equipment for the Shikoku Henro.
Sugegasa(菅笠, Sedge Hat)
The front has a Sanskrit character representing Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana Buddha) written on it, and the following words are written on all four sides.
"Because of delusion, the three realms are like a fortress with no exit (迷故三界城),
Because of enlightenment, all directions are empty (悟故十方空),
Originally there is no east or west (本来無東西),
Where is there north or south (何処有南北)?"
Also the other word are written on the opposite side of the Sanskrit character. You can read this word "Dōgyō Ninin (同行二人)," which means that you will always be traveling with Kōbō Daishi. In the past, many pilgrims died during the Shikoku pilgrimage, and it is said that Sugegasa was placed on top of the body as a coffin lid. While it is customary to remove your hat inside a temple hall, it is acceptable to keep Sugegasa on.
Incidentally, "suge" refers to a plant belonging to the sedge family, and its leaves have been used as material for hats, raincoats, ropes, and other items. It is comfortable because it is well-ventilated and blocks the sun, but it has the drawback of letting rain through. Rain covers for Sugegasa are often sold as a set, so be sure to get one of those as well.
Kongo-zue(金剛杖, Pilgrimage staff)
The top of the staff is shaped like a five-tiered pagoda, and it is inscribed with Sanskrit characters. Because it represents the Buddha himself, it is considered sacrilegious to touch it directly, so a staff cover is placed over it before holding. It is also considered a manifestation of Kobo Daishi, so it is customary to wipe it clean and place it in the alcove when staying at an inn.
These were also used as grave markers if pilgrims died during their journey. Additionally, attaching a bell to them could help deter bears.
You might not appreciate them so much when the pilgrimage route is on flat ground, but they really come into their own when you enter mountain trails. They're especially helpful when going downhill, as they distribute your weight so that it doesn't put too much strain on your knees.
Zuda-bukuro(頭陀袋, Pilgrimage bag)
It's called a sanya bag or zuda/zuta-bukuro. It's a bag that you carry over your shoulder. You put pilgrimage items such as votive slips(osame-fuda) and candles inside it. These days, many people wear backpacks when on pilgrimage, but a bag that you carry around like a sanya bag is convenient for taking out various items. Walking pilgrims can, of course, use a waist pouch instead.
Hakue(白衣)/Oizuru(笈摺) (White robe)
The one with sleeves is Hakue, and the one without sleeves is Oizuru. You can wear whichever you prefer. In Japan, the deceased are dressed in white garments and placed in a coffin. Therefore, the Pilgrims(Ohenro-san) wear white robes so that they are prepared to collapse and die at any time along the way. Nowadays, it no longer carries such a heavy meaning, but functions as a landmark for pilgrims.
When hiking in the mountains, indigo jeans can also repel snakes and insects, so you don't need to be particular about wearing the top and the bottom of Hakue these days.
Wa-gesa(輪袈裟, Celemonial stole)
Wa-gesa is a simplified version of the kesa(surplice) worn by Buddhist monks. Since it is worn during chanting and spiritual practice, it must be removed when eating or using the toilet. Therefore, it is a good idea to take it off when not in use and put it in a pouch or bag.
Nen-ju(念珠, rosary)
This refers to a rosary (juzu). It is customary to hold it in the left hand. It is used to count the number of times one recites a mantra or Buddhist prayer. The basic number of beads is said to be 108, but there are also rosaries with half or a quarter of that number. The shape of the rosary is said to differ depending on the Buddhist sect, but it seems that there is no need to be overly concerned about it.
Kyo-bon(経本,Sutra book)
This book contains the sutras to be recited during the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage ("Kaikyoge(開経偈)," "Sangemon(懺悔文)," "Prajnaparamita Sutra(般若心経)," and "Ekomon(回向文)"), the mountain names and temple names of the 88 temples, the hymns, the principal images of worship, and their mantras. If you do not chant sutras at a temple, this is not necessary.
Nokyo-Cho(納経帳)
This is what is commonly known as a stamp book for collecting temple stamps. In some cases, the stamps for temples number 1 through 88 may already be listed.
Supplies for pilgrimage
Now, I tell you about the supplies you'll need for your pilgrimage.
Osame-fuda(納札, votive slips)
A votive slip is like a business card, and it is offered as proof of having made a pilgrimage.You are supposed to write the date of your visit, your address, your name, and your wish. The date of your visit may vary, so it's fine to write something like "Auspicious day in March, Reiwa 3," and the address can be at the city/town level. Some people take votive slips from the votive slip box at the temple because they believe they bring good fortune, so it's best not to write too much personal information (I actually encountered someone doing this in Shikoku).
Incense sticks and candles
Incense sticks and candles are offerings made to Buddha. According to one theory, the smoke from the incense sticks becomes food for Buddha, and the flame of the candle represents Buddha's power. You should offer three incense sticks. This is said to represent the present, past, and future.
In conclusion
If you try to gather all the necessary equipment, it will cost a fair amount of money. However, as I've said many times before, the Shikoku Pilgrimage is a matter of the heart. If you have a passionate heart, there's no need to be particular about the equipment. The important thing is to start the pilgrimage.
