On Metaphorical Thinking in "Shikoku Henro"

Abstract

"Shikoku Henro" is a Buddhist pilgrimage walking around the Japanese island of Shikoku. Walking the pilgrimage, persons with troubles and sorrows often get solutions and solaces. How do they solve their problems? In the pilgrimage there are few doctrines. There are a lot of symbols and metaphors instead. Pilgrims walk in nature thinking symbolic meanings of it. And they learn the truths that teach them how to live a good life. This is a thinking method of ancient people. In ancient times they understood symbolic meanings of all natural things. In Shikoku Henro, pilgrims become "ancient people" in a sense. They tend to think everything metaphorically. For example, "to walk" is "to live", "to look up in the sky" is "to hold ideals", "spring sunshine" is "a person with love", and so on. Mountain path, rain and wind teach us hardship of life. Flowers in the field and beautiful landscapes give us healing. Nature thus talks. Pilgrims listen to the language of nature and learn the truths revealed in it. That is the way they become wise and regenerated. Metaphorical thinking is a chief characteristic of Shikoku Henro.