24Apr10: Jeremy Lanig
The Words of Buddhist Monk, April 24th, 2010 by Jeremy Lanig
This was my second time to participate on a Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage experience. Last time we visited temples near Takamatsu, but this time we went to the west side of Kagawa and visited temple #70, Motoyama-ji, and temple #71, Iyadani-ji. It was pleasant weather and everyone was in a great mood.
This was my second time to participate on a Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage experience. Last time we visited temples near Takamatsu, but this time we went to the west side of Kagawa and visited temple #70, Motoyama-ji, and temple #71, Iyadani-ji. It was pleasant weather and everyone was in a great mood.
At Iyadani-ji, I was given the task to interpret the speech that the head monk would deliver. I had a Japanese copy in advance that would help me, but I first had to translate the speech into English. This was no easy task. In fact, my boss told me jokingly that after I translate it, I would know enough about Buddhism to become a monk. Although it was difficult, it was full of great history and information that I didn't know.
For example, it is said that the important founder of the 88 temples, Kukai Kobo Daishi, studied at this temple at a young age. I also learned that Iyadani-ji is also known as a temple for the spirits of the deceased.
There was lots of other information, but I think it's best to visit the temple and learn about the history in person. Let's join the next 88 temple experience together.
The place to purify after entering the grounds at Motoyama-ji
The stairs leading up to Iyadani-ji
For example, it is said that the important founder of the 88 temples, Kukai Kobo Daishi, studied at this temple at a young age. I also learned that Iyadani-ji is also known as a temple for the spirits of the deceased.
There was lots of other information, but I think it's best to visit the temple and learn about the history in person. Let's join the next 88 temple experience together.
『弥谷寺住職の言葉』平成22年4月24日 (ラニグ・ジェレミー)
今回は私が参加した二回目の四国八十八ヶ所遍路体験でした。前回は高松の辺りのお寺に参りましたが、今回は香川県西部の、７０番目札所本山寺と７１番目札所弥谷寺に参りました。快晴で、参加者は愉快な気分になりました。
弥谷寺では、私は住職のお話を通訳することになりました。予めスピーチの日本語版の原稿をいただきましたが、英訳が必要でした。仏教の専門用語を英訳することや、簡単なことばで説明することは、簡単なことではありません。私の上司が私に『この原稿を翻訳できると、お坊さんになれるよ』と笑いながら言いました。本当に難しかったですが、私が知らなかったたくさんの面白い歴史と情報が詰まっていました。
例えば、弘法大師・空海という真言宗の開祖）が幼ないころ、寺の境内で学んだと伝えられています。また、弥谷寺は死霊の寺としても知られていることを知りました。
ほかにも、たくさんの情報がありましたが、自分自身でお寺に参って、学んだ方がいいと思います。次の四国八十八ヶ所霊場遍路体験、一緒に参加しましょう。
写真：
遍路さんの金剛杖につけた持鈴
弥谷寺にあがる階段
本山寺の手洗い場
The place to purify after entering the grounds at Motoyama-ji
The stairs leading up to Iyadani-ji
