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 date 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 just a stamp rally, but a "passport to paradise" (passage permit) that proves the fulfillment of a promise made with King Enma by collecting all 33 locations.
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 reveal the unexpected "economic policy" hidden behind it.
First of all, why "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" does not merely represent a quantity; it 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, roads were developed, and the "Ise Pilgrimage" and "Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage" 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 impose a law saying, "No travel!"? However, the wise lord Masayuki was different.
Instead of "prohibition," he produced "local pilgrimages"
He did not forcibly take away the faith and the common people's desire for travel (venting), but thought, "Then, I should create a route for the thirty-three Kannon that can be completed within Aizu."
Aizu had many historic temples that continued from the era of the genius monk Tokuichi. By connecting them, he established the "Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon" and recommended "local pilgrimages" to the subjects. This successfully prevented the outflow of money while suppressing the dissatisfaction of the subjects.
Indeed, this is a remarkable 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 best entertainment for women in rural areas.
For those who are usually busy with housework and farming, the pilgrimage to the Kannon is a "legitimate girls' trip" where they can go out freely.
After pooling money with friends during a break from work, they chant sutras at sacred sites, enjoy delicious food in the post towns along the way, soak in hot springs, and share their daily complaints and worries. It was a refreshing event that beautifully combined faith and leisure.
For example, on the route that passes through "Ouchijuku," one of the five main roads of Aizu, you can still taste simple local dishes that have continued since those days, such as "Takatou Soba (negi soba)" introduced by Lord Masayuki from Shinshu, and "Shingorou," which is grilled with fragrant egoma miso.
A journey to experience the "breath of the people" from the past
How was it?
In the Aizu region, in addition to the "Aizu Thirty-three Kannon," there are various pilgrimage courses 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 a tour in the academic style that guides 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 connect the dots of history, thinking, "This is where women from Edo used to eat soba" and "This was the economic policy of the feudal lord." Why not join us on an "intellectual fieldwork" seeking a passport to paradise?
[The ultimate academic tour connecting the dots of history]
A journey to feel the breath of the people from that time, beyond just a stamp rally.
Our dedicated guide will explain the mysteries of history spread throughout Aizu.
Please feel free to consult us via LINE.
