Pilrimage to Mt Koya, holy mountain of Shingon, the esoteric tradition of Japanese Buddhism, one of the three most holy mountains of Japan, along with Togakushi (Shinto) and Hiei (Tendai)
Given its industrial past, Bilbao is a strikingly handsome city. Its renaissance puts me somewhat in mind of what has become of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, another northern industrial city with new arts centred development. In fact the parallels are quite strong. The Basque people, like the Geordies, have a distinctive local culture. The weather here is constantly changing and many of these pictures were taken in low light.
This is a spectacular bay with a spiritual atmosphere. It has probably been a sacred spot since pre-Christian times. At the western end of the bay is a peninsula with a causeway ascent to a small church dedicated to John the Baptist. In the middle of the bay is an island. The shores are rocky pavements with strata at oblique angles. There are over 200 steps down and up. Good exercise. Good for the body and the soul.
This weekend I shall be speaking at the conference of Quaker Universalists in Leeds. They recently published an article of mine which you can read here.
D.Brazier 2008, "Freedom to Die: Approaching Amida in a State of Grace", in J. Watts & Y. Tomatsu. Never Die Alone Jodo Shu Research Institute pp.91-126
Recent Comments