Dōgyō Ninin

Dōgyō Ninin (同行二人) literally means traveling (in the sense of pilgrimage) two together. The spiritual meaning in the context of the pilgrimage of the 88 temples in Shikoku is that Kōbō Daishi always travels with the pilgrim and accompanies them through difficulties.

This inscription is found on the walking stick (kongōzue) and on small signposts along difficult sections.

A little history. In the 16th century, pilgrims were already writing “同行二人” on temple walls, but in the literal sense: “two companions” on the road. You also find “同行四人” (four) and “同行五人” (five) (see rakugaki). Today’s meaning, “the Daishi and I,” came later.