Glossary

Bangai (番外) temples are sacred places but not among the 88 temples of the Shikoku pilgrimage. In Japanese, Bangai literally means "out of numbering" . (more…)

A Bekkaku (別格) temple is a temple that is not part of the principal road of the 88 shikoku pilgrimage temples but has a relative importance with the monk Kukai, the founder of the pilgrimage. (more…)

Bentō (弁 当) means box meal. This is the snack forJapanese people when theye eat outside. It can be prepared at home or buy in specialty shops: the Bentō-ya (弁 当 屋). (more…)

Benzaiten or Benten (弁 財 天) is a Japanese Buddhist deity who originated from the Hindu deity Sarasvati (サ ラ ス ヴ ァ テ ィ ー). (more…)

Bonnō (煩悩) the 108 bonnō are the 108 desires that bind man to this world and prevent him from being happy. The misfortune comes from the attachment to the material things of this world as well as our bad thoughts. Whoever manages to free himself from these 108 bonnō will become free and enlightened

Bosatsu (菩薩) or bodhisattva in Sanskrit is one who is close to the awakening, the state of Buddha. The bosatsu instead of becoming Buddha helps those who suffer in this world. (more…)

Budo (道) means The Warrior's Way (Bu) implicitly in peacetime.

Bussokuseki (仏 足 石) are Footprints of Buddhas carved in stone. They are used during rituals. (more…)