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KUNI 2024: Pilgrimage into the Archetype of Future

About two months ago, we embarked on a transformative pilgrimage through Japan’s spiritual heartlands, from the mystical paths of Kumano Kodo to the sacred summits of Mount Koya, culminating in the historic and cultural depths of Kyoto. We invite you to revisit these profound experiences with us, as we reflect on the deep spiritual insights and communal bonds forged at each sacred site.

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Kumano Kodo – The Source of Archetypal Patterns

Our pilgrimage began in the serene and mystic settings of Kumano Kodo, grounding us in the profound spiritual ambiance of this sacred nature. It was here that Emperor Jinmu, the first emperor of Japan, sought divine guidance through deep spiritual penance, receiving the vision of a united nation—a harmonious field in which nature, spirit, and humanity coexist. We had an opening circle sharing our intentions for the retreat, setting a tone of deep connection and collective purpose. We invite ourselves to reconnect with the source of our lives, emphasizing the transformative power of nature to rebuild connections with our inner selves and others, and inspiring us to envision a better world collectively. 

The following day, gathered next to the warmth of a fireplace, we delved deeper into our spiritual quest. We shared openness to receiving messages from the universe and confronting their innermost selves before immersing ourselves in the ancient spiritual practices indigenous to the region. We paid a visit to the Akakura Shrine, where a monumental 10-meter spherical megalithic god body known as “Otankura” stands instead of a manmade structure. The absence of a known deity and the shrine’s deep-rooted natural beliefs were palpable as local practitioners on conch horns and miko performed a prayer ceremony. A lot of us shared a silent moment with the rock. The silence sounded still, but filled with a lot of things that we could not describe in words.  

Our pilgrimage continued on the 7th with a ‘not so flat’ hike from the Ogumotori-goe Trailhead to Nachi waterfall. We did not know how difficult the path was, but there is some blessing in not knowing, so that we could go into it wholeheartedly. The challenge turned out to be a pleasant surprise to a lot of us. The trail was challenging for some of us so we kept our own paces, while never forgetting to help each other overcome our limits. This journey was not just a physical test but a spiritual expedition, echoing the centuries-old practices of practitioners who traversed these paths in deep reverence to nature and introspection. This trek cleared our minds, preparing us to give and receive with the purest spirit and mind when we arrived at the concluding a fire ceremony at Seiganto-ji. The monk burned wood sticks with prayers, taking the flames higher and higher, almost like our collective aspirations were brought closer towards the divine. This ritual, steeped in tradition and communal spirit, perfectly encapsulated the essence of Kumano as a place where the archetypal patterns of unity and spirituality are not only preserved but vividly alive, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the interconnected web of life we are part of.

 

As we concluded our transformative pilgrimage through the terrains of Kumano, our hearts and spirits were connected with our own source, and common experience created a shared sense of purpose being here. Stay tuned for the next post, where we will ascend to the sacred heights of Mount Koya. There, amidst its tranquil temples and monastic silence, we continued our quest for enlightenment, drawing closer to the spiritual legacy of Kukai and the timeless teachings of Shingon Buddhism.