Mt. Mitoku's Purification of the Six Roots of Perception
Mt. Mitoku
Mt. Mitoku -- known as "the mountain where gods and Buddhas dwell". Long ago, Mt. Mitoku, which means "the mountain of the three virtues", was known as "the mountain of beautiful virtue" (also pronounced "Mitoku"). Not only is it a lush and naturally beautiful mountain, it is a place where one can go to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and purify oneself by cleansing one's spirit and washing away one's bad deeds. This place of beautiful virtue (Mitoku) has held a special place in the hearts of the Japanese.
Mt. Mitoku's
Purification of the Six Roots of Perception
The six roots of perception are the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. The idea is that, by climbing the steep cliffs of Mt. Mitoku and offering your prayers at the magnificent temples, one can purify the senses.
- Ears:
- Calm your heart with the sound of the bells and the chanting of sutras as you travel along the path.
- Eyes:
- The overwhelming presence of the national treasure Nageiredo. Buildings integrated into the virgin natural forest. Various treasures, the most spectacular of which is the Zaogongen statue.
- Tongue:
- Reexamine the significance of consuming another life as you taste vegetarian cuisine. Experience the richness of the food culture as you try the home-grown mountain vegetables, tochimochi, and tofu.
- Body:
- Experience a pleasant fatigue after walking up to the temple.
- Nose:
- Calm your heart with the smell of incense and rhododendrons.
- Mind:
- Purify your heart by visiting Nageiredo, the final destination of the training.
Visit famous hot springs and experience shugendo.
Purification of the six roots of perception begins with a bath at Misasa Onsen to purify the body and ready the spirit for the climb up Mt. Mitoku the next day.
At Misasa Onsen, relaxing and soothing oneself in the hot waters heals the six senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and spirit.
On Mt. Mitoku, harsh training on the sacred mountain purifies the six roots of perception: the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind.
The six roots of perception and the healing of the six senses are a distinctly Japanese perspective on nature -- a harmonizing of human beings and their natural surroundings
At Misasa Onsen, relaxing and soothing oneself in the hot waters heals the six senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and spirit.
On Mt. Mitoku, harsh training on the sacred mountain purifies the six roots of perception: the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind.
The six roots of perception and the healing of the six senses are a distinctly Japanese perspective on nature -- a harmonizing of human beings and their natural surroundings