"Meet People"
Shikoku’s capital city Matsuyama stayed in view as we descended five kilometers down the curvy, lush and soft mountain path. It disappeared as we reached the end and turned into a steep concrete slope. Tough on the knees. Slowly making our way, we heard the announcement “Udon-Osettai”.
Udon - Osettai!?!
Receiving fruit, drinks and various snacks is common on the pilgrimage, but Japanese noodles!
Yes we would stop.
At least a dozen people worked quickly and efficiently. There was the noddle making station, the cooking station, cleaning, and serving stations. Everyone had a task and everyone was having fun.
Luck was on our side. We had come upon the reunion of a group of college friends. All graduates of the University of Ehime where they studied economics and law. Every year the group rents a traditional Japanese home where they spend the weekend preparing fresh Udon for an annual university event. This year the house they rented was featured in a TV movie about the pilgrimage, called “Aruku Aruku Aruku” or “Walk Walk Walk”. Fortunately for us, the house was located on the path to Temple 46, Jōruri-ji.
Settling into our seats we had a full view of the happenings. The udon dough was prepared right in front of us inside the traditional home. Here dough was kneaded, rolled and cut. The dough was then transported outside on a wooden rod where it would be boiled, tested and strained. When cooked to perfection, it was put in bowls with miso broth, seaweed flakes and scallions. You don’t have to be a hungry pilgrim to anticipate how oishii (delicious) this bowl of soup would be.
If food can be cooked with emotion, then this meal was friendship and love.
As we sat enjoying our meal another pilgrim passed by hurriedly, declining the osettai invitation. He was politely dismissive of the events that were taking place around him. He was focused on his destination. I know, I’ve been there.
With full stomachs we said our goodbyes and thank yous. One the gentleman stopped to give us advice. Two simple words. He told us “Meet people”.
It is easy to become fixated on a goal, but slowing down, going off schedule, and taking the time to connect is an opportunity to learn people’s stories and become a part of something bigger.
We’ll be following his advice.
May 8, 2016 - Temple 46, 47, & 48
