Pilgrims Until We Die: Unending Pilgrimage in Shikoku

The Shikoku pilgrimage, a 1400 km, eighty-eight temple circuit around Japan's fourth-largest island, takes around forty days by foot or one week by car. This study of Japan's most famous Buddhist pilgrimage presents new theoretical perspectives on pilgrimage and rich ethnographic examples of pilgrimage practices in contemporary Japan. It challenges standard understandings of pilgrimage by examining how obsession, devotion, and a sense of addiction aided by modern developments and economic factors have created a culture of recurrent pilgrimage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Shikoku pilgrimage, spanning a remarkable 1400 kilometers and comprising eighty-eight temples, encircles Japan's fourth-largest island. This awe-inspiring journey, traditionally undertaken by Buddhist ascetics, takes approximately forty days on foot or just one week by car. Throughout its rich history, this pilgrimage has maintained an unbroken tradition, captivating both foot pilgrims and those who travel by car. Some individuals dedicate decades to this pilgrimage, while others embark on multiple journeys, completing hundreds of circuits. The majority of pilgrims are retired, viewing it as the focal point of their post-work lives. However, there are also those who work full-time and find solace in the pilgrimage during their holidays and weekends. While some may have only completed the pilgrimage a few times, they already envision themselves as eternal pilgrims, with a deep desire to continue this sacred journey until their last breath. They openly express their addiction to the pilgrimage and proudly embrace the term "Shikokuby?" or "Shikoku illness," perceiving it as a blessing.

This captivating study, conducted through extensive fieldwork and insightful interviews, offers fresh theoretical insights into the realm of pilgrimage. It provides a wealth of ethnographic examples showcasing the diverse practices of pilgrimage in contemporary Japan. By challenging the conventional notion of pilgrimage as a fleeting activity characterized by a temporary departure from home to visit sacred sites beyond the ordinary, Pilgrims Until We Die reveals that many participants perceive pilgrimage as a means of establishing a sense of belonging and permanence on the road.

The study delves into the role of obsession, devotion, and a sense of addiction, which have been fostered by modern developments and economic factors. It explores how these elements have contributed to the culture of recurrent pilgrimage, where individuals find solace and fulfillment in embarking on pilgrimage journeys time and again. Pilgrims Until We Die challenges prevailing understandings of pilgrimage by shedding light on the deeper motivations and experiences of those who embark on this profound journey.

Through its rich narratives and profound insights, this study offers a valuable contribution to the field of pilgrimage studies. It provides a deeper understanding of the enduring significance of pilgrimage in Japanese culture and its role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of the country. Whether one is a seasoned pilgrim or a newcomer to this ancient tradition, Pilgrims Until We Die invites us to explore the transformative power of pilgrimage and the profound connections it fosters between individuals, communities, and the sacred spaces they encounter along the way.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197573594