A Pilgrimage to Chikurinji Temple

​I walked up the stone steps.
Chikurinji Temple stood before me.
Kōchi, on the island of Shikoku.
Number 31 of 88 temples on the pilgrimage.
Founded by Gyōki, a Buddhist priest, in the 8th century.
I passed through the temple gate.
Paid respects to Monju Bosatsu, bodhisattva of wisdom.
The main hall held a hidden treasure.
A statue of Monju, riding a lion.
Flanked by attendants, one male, one female.
I felt a deep sense of history.
And serenity in this sacred place.