What may surprise even experienced pilgrims, though, is that the Shikoku 88 is not the only Henro–in fact most of the Seto Inland Sea’s islands, large and small, are home to Shima-Henro, “Island Pilgrimages,” the most famous of these being the one on Shodoshima. While seasoned pilgrims will notice many similarities to the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the Shodoshima Henro is an entity unto itself, with its own unique majesty and potency. 

Konji-ji's Saito Goma fire ceremony The Gyoja Mondo , or “Practitioner Questions and Answers,” are performed at the start of Saito Goma fire rituals. Now as in the past, these rituals are performed by Shugen practitioners as a way of sharing the merits cultivated in the mountains with communities. In the past, any authentic initiate of Shugendo was welcome to participate, as their presence was believed to enhance the potency of the ritual. As a free lunch and a share of the

He sits or stands on a boulder surrounded by an aureole of flame. His name, “Fudō,” simply means “Unmoved.” 

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