Pilgrimages in the west

[Seishin]

Does anyone in the western world of Tendai go on pilgrimages? I know some groups do a kokorodo but I'm not sure how they differ, if at all.

There's an ancient christian pilgrimage trail in the UK (one of many) that I'd like to walk with our group. It's across some beautiful countryside with holy sites on the way.

Gassho
Seishin

[Jikan]

We don't yet have the established pilgrimage circuits that exist in Asia, obviously. But the practice is afoot anyway. (ha! afoot!) Not counting the version we practice at TBI, there are at least two established paths: one in the Adirondacks of New York, and the other at California Tendai Monastery.

http://www.caltendai.org

http://adirondacktendai.org


***
Doko, if you're reading this: do you guys practice kokorodo at all? I'd think Colorado would be a natural one for this.

[Seishin]

But the practice is afoot anyway. (ha! afoot!)

[Doko]

The mountains in Colorado have many beautiful and special places that have become stops during our Kokorodo. It is taking shape naturally as time passes and we continue our practice. Innen-san has a new book on the way on walking meditation. I believe the preview is available on the Red Maple Sangha site.

Doko

[Doko]

I checked Innen's site and there is an issue with the link.

I believe this one will work though:

1.5. Read part of Innen’s new book Walk Like A Mountain
http://www.realperson.com/tendaicanada/ ... n-main.htm

[Seishin]

Awesome! Thanks Doko

Gassho,
Seishin

[Doko]

My pleasure Seishin.

Monshin Sensei has pointed out to us more than once that there could potentially be a bigger course at the Betsuin in NY for outdoor walking meditation. Now all I have to do is convince Jikan to take three years off of work to move to NY and help me clear the course.

[Seishin]

Three years Holy moly!

[Doko]

I really don't know how long it would take.

[Jikan]

If I'm the project manager, then it would take at least three years.

Bracketing all that, I think this is a practice that can make a real contribution to life in North America, Europe, and elsewhere. I'd like to see it flourish, and I'm glad to see Innen's promoting it.

[kirtu]

Bracketing all that, I think this is a practice that can make a real contribution to life in North America, Europe, and elsewhere. I'd like to see it flourish, and I'm glad to see Innen's promoting it.

It would be exceptional if this were established in North America.

Kirt

[Doko]

I remember Monshin Sensei saying that the ability to Ordain folks here in the States in our tradition was more of a dream meaning it wasn't likely to happen quickly and maybe it never would. It did happen, and here we are! I believe that the Tendai Pilgrimages are in the same catagory. Although it seems like a lot of work will have to be done for this to happen, it is possible.

~ Who knows, we may see this in our lifetime. I have my fingers crossed.(Mikkyo pun intended here)