Shugendō is a Japanese spiritual practice that involves going on a journey or pilgrimage to different places in nature.
Imagine that you love exploring the outdoors, and you like to visit new places like forests, mountains, and waterfalls. Shugendō is like that, but it's also about connecting with something greater than yourself like a higher power or the universe.
People who practice shugendō might set out on a long journey in the wilderness, bringing only food, water, and essential supplies. Along the way, they might meditate, pray, or perform rituals to feel closer to nature and the divine. They might also do physical exercises like climbing, hiking, or walking to challenge their bodies and minds.
In shugendō, nature is considered sacred, and everything in it has a special meaning. For example, a waterfall might symbolize purification, while a mountain might represent the challenge of life. By exploring these places and reflecting on their meaning, shugendō practitioners hope to gain spiritual insight and growth.
In summary, shugendō is a Japanese spiritual practice that involves going on a pilgrimage to connect with nature and the divine. It involves exploring the outdoors, doing physical exercises, and performing rituals to gain spiritual insight and growth.