I got on a journey
called Shikoku Pilgrimage (Junrei).
This is a journey
around 88 temples in Shikoku Region (Island composed of 4 prefectures) and
Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, they are related to Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) who existed about 1,200
years ago.
Shikoku Pilgrimage
has been done for ascetic exercises and faith since about 500 years ago, but
recently there are many tourists and foreigners. The total distance is about
1,300 km, and there are various people who walk, use bicycles, cars and buses.
The pilgrimage is
taking place in various countries, and Shikoku Pilgrimage is similar to the
pilgrimage of Spain (Camino de Santiago)
in Christianity. We visit the Buddhist temples, but there are no restrictions
on the qualifications of pilgrims and their purpose, and you can do your own
purpose (faith, atonement, confession, ascetic exercises) away from your daily
life.
Mercury, mercury
sulfide and copper mines were located in Shikoku related to Kukai. Mercury was
used for gold plating by the amalgam method on the surface of bronze Buddha
statue. Mercury sulfide is a red color and it was a precious substance used for
painting shrines and temples. For this reason it is said that Kukai had
knowledge of minerals.
Besshi copper mine
which was the world's largest output was in Shikoku. Although it is closed now,
it became a sightseeing spot called Maintopia Besshi. You can visit mine facilities
and experience gold panning. Foil gold and granular silver are included in the
sand and it is difficult to separate.
The red dot shows
88 temples, the blue line shows Median Tectonic Line(large fault).
Various metal
deposits are near the Median Tectonic Line.
Pilgrims usually
have a cape, white coat, cane, but there are no rules on clothes.
The train used in
the mine.
Gold panning pool
Gold
and silver used in gold panning
