Glossary

Daishi (大師) was originally a term for Buddha only. In China, it became an honorary title, awarded by the emperor. In Japan, this title is given posthumously only, as for Kūkai who became Kōbō-Daishi after his death.

Daishido (大師堂) is small building reserved for Kobo Daishi. There is Daishido in all 88 temples of Shikoku pilgrimage but on the trail there is Daishido appart of a temple.  Sometimes, the pilgrim can use it to sleep.

Dōgyō Ninin (同行 二人) literally means Traveling (in the sense of pilgrimage) together. The spiritual significance in the context of the pilgrimage of the 88 temples to Shikoku is that Kōbō Daishi always travels with the pilgrim and accompanies him in difficulties.  (more…)

In Buddhism, the dojo is a place of spiritual and physical asceticism. In Budo,it’s the place where you practice your discipline.  The pilgrimage of Shikoku is divided into 4 virtual dojo, corresponding to the 4 prefectures crossed.