We awoke at 2am again due to the fact that our body clocks are completely out of whack and lay chatting in the cosy cocoons of our sleeping bags in our tent until 5 am when it was time to arise and break our camp in preparation for setting out for the day. At 6 am sharp, the village loudspeaker blasted out a wake up call to the entire neighborhood along with what sounded like could be, a motivational message for the day.
Unfortunately the "Noukyocho" office at the temple we slept at, only opened at 8 am. We peeled the two oranges we had bought the night before and ate a few rice crackers for breakfast and were first in line to get our "noukyo" (calligraphy stamp).
A shorter distance walking route to Temple 42 was available by traversing a gorgeous forested path, past a graveyard and over a hill, cutting off a couple of kilometers compared to the road route.
It had started raining and the temperature was dipping into the lower 40's degrees Fahrenheit. We walked along following the arrows and way markings, getting wetter by the minute. even though we had trekking umbrellas. Just before arriving at Temple 42, Wilson from Hong Kong who we had briefly met the day before pulled up next to us in his rental car and asked us whether he could help us improve our day. Now bearing in mind that this leg of the journey is " the enlightenment" phase of the journey, we decided that it would be the enlightened choice to accept "osettai" (the act of giving a gift or offering to a henro on the 88 Temples of Shikoku pilgrimage) from Wilson the Trial Angel by taking him up on his offer.
Our choice of accepting this gift of a ride, took us out of the misery of turning into cold, drenched rats and enabled us to get to visit another five temples, knocking off some of the distance we would have to walk to complete our quest. If we didn't have this great day, we don't think we would have reached Temple 88 by our return date.
Temple 42: Butsumokuji: People come to pray for prosperity at home and for the memory of lost pets.
Temple 43: Meisekiji: The name of this temple " Daybreak and Stone" derives from the legend of a beautiful goddess who until daybreak carried large rocks while praying, however when she saw the sun coming up, she disappeared.
Temple 44: Daihoji: There is a beautiful inscription at the entrance " Kind eyes see everyone" aka be kind to everyone.
Temple 45: Iwayaji: This is one of the most astounding temples. Built beneath a cliff face, high up in the mountains it provides a dramatic setting. It is reached by passing 36 stone Buddhist statues of immortal youths. Once at the temple, a tall wooden ladder climbs up to a cavern on the cliff face which Josh clambered up.
We were given this beautiful message when we received our "noukyo":
*We lead our lives amongst Mother Nature
*We cannot live without any of the sun's light and heat, oxygen, water, earth and various animals and plants.
*The sky is infinitely high and the clouds change shape in numerous ways. The sea is vast and filled with abundant water.
*The greenery of the forest is full of colors and the flowers and plants appease the eye with their coloring. The changing of the four seasons also adds to the delight.
*Although we cannot help but live in association with others, their thoughts change constantly, quite often bringing about difficulties.
*By turning out attention to Mother Nature even just for a little while and unleashing our hearts, we may be able to find a clue to unravel the cumbersomeness of human affairs.
*Kobo Daishi thought there was much to learn from Mother Nature on order for humanity to lead fulfilling lives
Temple 46: Joruriji: Founded in 708, Kukai restored the then dilapidated buildings in 812. It contains a tree which is 1000 years old.
Temple 47: Yasakaji: Built in 701 and later restored. It is said that there are eight paths leading here, this the name "eight slope".
Temple 48: Sairinji: The statue which sits above the pond is said to grant one wish to each person.
The cherry blossoms are out and add a splash of delightful color to the scenery.
By the time we made it to a hot bath and cosy bed at an hotel in the city of Matsuyama we were hammered.The temperature has dropped down to 39 degrees Fahrenheit (3.8 C). We passed out feeling safe and happy.
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