SHIKOKU The 88 Temple Way: Poetics of a Japanese Pilgrimage

In this inspiring and beautiful book, Gertraud Wild weaves together the 1,200 plus kilometer 88 Temple Way pilgrimage in Shikoku, Japan with the history and culture of the island. Her willingness to experience the trail as an authentic pilgrim by performing the buddhist rituals, living in ryokans, minshukus and shukubos; and keeping an open mind makes this book a joy to read. Her stay at the Soto Zen temple Zuioji, where she was included in the daily practices of the monks, gives readers a unique perspective on a rarely seen world.Shikoku The 88 Temple Way is a must read for everyone interested in walking this or any other pilgrimage, and is especially rewarding for people interested in Buddhism, spirituality, Japanese culture and history.The book also provides additional insight into Japanese temple and shrine architecture, in an appendix written by Yuko Iwatani. Read more