24Apr10: Dave Wilson

As a foreigner living in Japan, there are many opportunities to experience and share everyday occurrences with Japanese co-workers and friends.  However, all of these experience happen through the perspective of exactly that--a foreigner living in Japan.  But no other experience has allowed us to so profoundly step inside the life of a Japanese quite like going on a henro pilgrimage.  Walking on the same streets and in the same traditional garb as thousands of Japanese pilgrims before you, it is easy to feel a special bond with the temples you visit and the people that worship in them.  In a way, it makes me feel closer to Japan in general.  While I may not share the hardships of the journey or the devoutness of faith as the typical Japanese pilgrim, I have a greater appreciation for the spectacular  undertaking these people have chosen to take on.  I felt extremely humbled as I imagined those who walk for hundreds of miles to become closer to their religion, and to better themselves in the process.

Dave Wilson