In recent years, collecting 'goshuin' while visiting shrines and temples has become a trend, but do you know the roots of this goshuin?
In fact, its origins can be traced 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, received a vow and thirty-three sacred seals from King Enma in the afterlife, instructing him to open thirty-three Kannon sacred sites to save the people of the world.
In other words, the goshuin is not merely a stamp rally, but a proof of fulfilling the promise with King Enma by collecting all 33 locations, serving as a "passport to paradise."
This time, we will guide you through the birth story of the "Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage," which revolves around this passport to paradise, and the unexpected "economic policy" hidden behind it.
First of all, why is it "thirty-three"?
As mentioned briefly in the previous article, Kannon (Kannon 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" is not just a number, 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 Flow Out"
During the Edo period, highways were developed, and the "Ise Pilgrimage" and "Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage" became extremely popular among the common people.
However, the journey from Aizu to Kansai was a major trip that took more than 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 impose a law saying "No travel!"? But the wise lord Masayuki was different.
Instead of "prohibiting," he produced "local pilgrimages"
He did not forcibly take away the faith and the common people's desire for travel (a form of entertainment), 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 had continued since the time of the genius monk Tokuichi. He connected them to establish the "Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon" and recommended the "local pilgrimage" to his subjects. This successfully prevented the outflow of money from the prefecture while suppressing the dissatisfaction of the subjects.
Indeed, this is a brilliant strategy that resonates with modern regional revitalization and tourism strategies.
The "legal women's travel" enjoyed by women in Edo
Thus, the established Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage became the ultimate entertainment for women in rural areas.
For those who are usually busy with housework and farming, the Kannon pilgrimage is a "legitimate girls' trip" where they can go out with confidence.
After pooling money with friends during a break from work, we chant sutras at sacred sites and offer prayers, then enjoy delicious food in the post towns along the way, soak in hot springs, and share our daily complaints and worries. It was a refreshing event that beautifully combined faith and leisure.
For example, on the route passing through "Ouchi-juku," one of the five main roads of Aizu, you can still taste the simple local foods that have continued since those days, such as "Takato soba (green onion soba)" brought by Lord Masayuki from Shinshu, and "Shingoro," which is grilled with fragrant perilla miso.
A journey to experience the "breath of the people of the past"
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."
At "Tabinoito," we offer tours in an [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 simple visit to Buddhist statues, but an academic journey where you connect the dots of history, thinking, "So this is where Edo women ate soba" and "This was the economic policy of the feudal lord." Why not join us on an "intellectual fieldwork" in search of a passport to paradise?
[The ultimate academic tour that connects the dots of history]
A journey to feel the breath of the people of the past that goes beyond just a stamp rally.
A dedicated guide will explain the mysteries of history spread throughout Aizu.
Please feel free to consult us via LINE first.
