Walking Shikoku Island – an Australian Pilgrim in Japan
Walking Shikoku Island – an Australian Pilgrim in Japan
Friday 24th September 2021
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Led by Aryapala in Conversation with Jnanadhara
In 2017 Aryapala donned the traditional white tunic, staff, conical hat and kesa and undertook the arduous 1200km ancient pilgrimage trail around Shikoku island in Japan. In so doing he was following in the footsteps of Kukai, the 8th century founder of the esoteric Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism.
Circling the island he passed unmarked graves of former pilgrims, shrines to Buddhist saints with miraculous powers and visited the 88 temples founded by Kukai himself. All this was undertaken under the compassionate protection of Fudo – the sword wielding, flame enhaloed, awe-inspiring Wisdom King.
Originally from Australia Aryapala contacted Buddhism in South London in the mid-90s and soon after was living in a residential community and working with friends in a Buddhist run café. He spent many years living and working at Padmaloka, a retreat centre for men in Norfolk, including time as chair. He is now based in Barcelona, Spain and is part of a team of Order members working to establish the Triratna Buddhist Community in Catalonia.
Aryapala is a contributor to Born of Fire and The Void a Buddhist zine exploring religious life in relation to underground music, poetry, art and design, personal journals and radical thought.
The evening will include slides as well as an interview and will conclude with meditation.
All welcome.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 24th Spetember, 2021 at 7pm.
Password if needed, japan
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