In recent years, collecting 'Goshuin' while visiting shrines and temples has become a trend, but do you know the roots of these Goshuin?
In fact, its origin dates back to the Nara period.
It is said that a monk named Tokudo Shonin, who fell into a state of suspended animation due to illness, was given a written vow and thirty-three precious seals by King Enma in the afterlife, instructing him to 'Open thirty-three Kannon sacred sites to save the people of this world.'
In other words, the goshuin is not just a stamp rally, but a "passport to paradise (passage permit)" that serves as proof of fulfilling a promise with Enma Daiou by collecting all 33 locations.
This time, we will guide you through the birth story of the "Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage" revolving around this passport to paradise and the unexpected "economic policy" hidden within it.
Why is it "thirty-three" in the first place?
As mentioned briefly in the previous article, Kannon (Kanzeon Bosatsu) has the characteristic of transforming into "33 different forms" to provide salvation according to the troubles and situations of others.
In Buddhism, the number "33" does not simply represent a quantity but signifies "infinite variations (using all means to save)." Based on this teaching, the "Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage" centered in the Kansai region was born and became a nationwide trend.
[Academic Perspective] Masayuki Hoshina's Economic Policy of "Not Letting Money Go Out"
During the Edo period, highways were developed, and "Ise Shrine Pilgrimages" and "Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimages" became immensely popular among the common people.
However, traveling from Aizu to Kansai was a major journey that took over two months round trip. The lord of Aizu at the time, Masayuki Hoshina, was concerned about this.
"If the subjects all travel to the West, a huge amount of travel expenses (funds) and labor will flow out of Aizu!"
If you were the lord (manager), what would you do? Would you simply enforce a law saying "No travel!"? However, the wise lord Masayuki was different.
Instead of a "ban," he produced a "local pilgrimage"
He did not forcibly take away the faith and the common people's desire for travel (a way to relieve stress), but thought, "Then let's create a route for the thirty-three Kannon that can be completed only within Aizu."
Aizu had many historic temples that have continued since the time of the genius monk, Tokuichi. By connecting them, he established the "Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon" and recommended "local pilgrimages" to his subjects. This successfully suppressed the dissatisfaction of the subjects while preventing the outflow of money from the prefecture.
Indeed, this is a remarkable strategy that resonates with modern regional revitalization and tourism strategies.
The "legal girls' trip" enjoyed by women in Edo
Thus, the organized Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage became the best entertainment for women in rural areas.
For those who are usually busy with housework and farming and rarely have the chance to leave home, the Kannon pilgrimage is a "legal girls' trip" that allows them to go out freely.
After finishing work, we pooled our money with friends, chanted sutras at a sacred site, and then enjoyed delicious food in the post towns along the way, soaking in hot springs and discussing our daily grievances and worries. It was a refreshing event that beautifully fused faith and leisure.
For example, on the route passing through "Ouchijuku," one of the five main roads of Aizu, you can still taste rustic local dishes that have continued since those times, such as "Takatou Soba (green onion soba)" brought by Lord Masayuki from Shinshu and "Shingorou," which is grilled with fragrant Egoma miso.
A journey to experience the "breath of the people" from back in the day
How was it?
In the Aizu region, in addition to the "Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon," there are various pilgrimage courses uniquely created by the local people, such as the "Okuaizu Thirty-Three Kannon" and the "Inawashiro Thirty-Three Kannon," which are still alive today.
At "Tabinoito," we offer tours in the academic style that guide you along these Kannon pilgrimage paths while explaining historical anecdotes and the real lives of people from that time.
Not just a visit to Buddhist statues, but an academic journey where you can connect the dots of history, like "So this is where Edo women used to eat soba" and "This was the economic policy of the feudal lord." Why not join us on an intellectual fieldwork quest for a passport to paradise?
