88 temples. 176 mantras. 1200 kilometres.

Pasannamati and Tala are off on a pilgrimage walk again. This time, the destination is the island of Shikoku, in Japan. The plan? To walk around the island, visiting each of the 88 temples that make up the “Henro 88” and chanting the Heart Sutra twice at each temple, as is traditional. A total distance of around 1200km. Our longest challenge yet!!!

This time, we want to raise money for the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. The centre’s “Polishing the Jewel” appeal is a building project that has been running for a year or so, raising vital funds to repair, renovate and renew our beautiful buildings. £140,000 is needed and we want to support them in that. That’s why we are reaching out to you for sponsorship. Can we raise £1464? Maybe that sounds like an odd figure but it equates to £1 for each kilometre, £1 per mantra plus another £1 for each temple? With your help, hopefully we can reach that target.

And there’s something in it for you too, if you can sponsor us. One of the many rituals linked with this pilgrimage is that of “osamefuda” (納め札) – tokens of gratitude. At each temple, we will offer a name slip, bestowing the blessings of Kukai (also knowns as Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism) on the person whose name is on the slip. We would like to offer the names of each person who sponsors us, as a way of honouring and thanking them for their generosity.

We are also hoping to document what we can of the trip on Polar Steps as well so, whether you can sponsor us or not, you can join with us on this magical pilgrimage.