{Shikoku Hachijūhachikasho Meguri}
ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU
For me, it occurred over and over again, and I finally understood the meaning and power of those simple words. There is no other thing to say really, and that if you were to reduce the meaning and spirit of the Henro down to it's symbolic essence, involving devotion, commitment, generosity, honesty, integrity, spirituality, duty, obligation, sincerity, right-mindedness and perhaps all that I feel is good about Japan, or maybe Buddhism, I would put it into those beautiful, gracious words that mean everything.

Sometimes when we are walking through the forest on a hot day and the wind blows a cool breeze through a nearby waterfall, and it feels like the most glorious air-conditioning, we can only think of these words.

With these words we can convey the deepest gratitude and understanding. We can receive the kindness of others with humility and modesty and allow others to give with dignity. To give and to receive. To think right thoughts. To try your best. To keep a sturdy countenance. Head up, a smile when you are tired. Patience when you are at your wits end. Positive thinking and action when you most want to shout and scream and heap abuse. To say thank you for this, for life on earth, for those who help us when we need it, and those who receive our generosity when we offer it, that is to me the Henro.

ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU.

Benjamin J. Schwartz
9 October 2005
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