Meditation Experience & Makino Botanic Garden

OVERVIEW

Meditate in a Buddhist temple on sacred Mount Godaisan and then extend your sense of serenity by meandering through a botanical garden. Established in the 8th century, Chikurin-ji is one of 88 temples on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. After wandering about the tranquil temple grounds and through the five-story burgundy pagoda, you will participate in a meditation session that one of the resident monks may lead. To enhance your connection to Buddhism, you will copy by hand some ancient Buddhist texts known as sutras. Your copies will then be burned, the preferred and most respectful way to dispose of the duplicate texts. Strolling through the Makino Botanical Garden will provide another peaceful experience as this green oasis invites relaxation, especially its south garden, which was once part of the Chikurin-ji grounds. More than 3,000 species of plants flourish at Makino, which is named for Kochi-born Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the Father of Japanese Botany.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the serenity of Chikurin-ji Temple, an important stop on a pilgrimage route.
• Join a meditation session at the temple and handwrite some of its ancient Buddhist texts.
• Stroll the winding paths of a garden dedicated to the Father of Japanese Botany.
• Recognize the achievements of botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in an exhibition hall.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.