Koyasan Okunoin 奥の院 - Day Visit

13-June-2016 - The next morning, I went back to the cemetery, and this time to explore all of it. As expected, graves surrounds all around. Some in cluster like a few generations of members laid into eternal rest together. 

We also explored off the beaten path, climbing up graves and little foot path along the way. I love photos of path into the unknown like this one above. I couldn't really read what the signs say, so we just hike along it anyway. Guess where we ended up.... a crematorium! But it was surrounded by greens and there was a mist hanging over everything, so it was really lovely if not slightly creepy. Still, I was happy just walking there. When I'm in the outdoors, anywhere is better than in a concrete jungle. I left alive. No time, no worries, just free like all humans are meant to be.

Back to the cemetery,  I was also surprised to find this little place dedicated to overseas people who have helped the Japanese during the war. A Malaysian flag was found here, along side Japan and Australia's flag. It made me have mixed feeling of this place.

Also found here are Jiro. Most are clothed in colourful colours, guiding you in your path. Some are found in rows all standing together.

Others are clustered together, like taking a rest while waiting for you to past by and say hi.

Some have brightly knitted hats to keep their head dry from the rain.

Others are fully clothe, hats, coat etc.... 

And offerings of coins are laid in front of them, for good luck perhaps?

A whole pyramid of them can also be found

And some guard agains graves so much taller than them....

While others just stood by, as you walk by them....

And finally, you reached, the holy ground, where Kobo Daishi is believed to be meditating, for eternity. Upon crossing this bridge, no photograph was allowed (even though some irritating tourist ignore the signs anyway....). Here is the final resting place of Kobo Daishi. And you can walk in, and write him a message, with postbox and all! You are encourage to write to the great teacher of your happiness and sadness, and basically anything you wish. I though that was just nice. And if money and time would allowed it, I would really like to do a pilgrimage following his path, to walk with him together. (Dōgyō Ninin (同行二人), meaning "two traveling together" — the other traveler being the spirit of Kobo Daishi.)

Entry 

Exit

Ref: 

Kobo Daishi

Shikoku Pilgrimage - Wiki

88 Temple Pilgrimage

Jizo