(123)【黒瀧神社　秘境】地元を見守る黒瀧神社奥の院　ご参拝 [Kurotaki Shrine: Hidden Sanctuary] Pilgrimage to the Inner Shrine Overlooking the Community

【黒瀧神社　秘境】地元を見守る黒瀧神社奥の院　ご参拝
11月27日（水）地元の黒瀧神社に山伏の明峰先生と、友人2人、計4名で登山とご参拝をしました。
雨の心配もありましたが、青空の元、11時半より登り始め、道なき山を木に結ばれた目印の赤いリボンを頼りに登ってきました。登山用の杖でなく、落ちていた木の杖をつきながらの登山はきつかったです。樹齢1000年以上の樫の木などの山中を登山。途中で力尽き、登山用の杖を借りて、何とか神社までたどり着きました。
なぜこんな山奥に立派な神社が、と目を疑うほどのしっかりとした拝殿と社殿。大きな梁のある拝殿に全員で入ろうとすると、轟音とともに突風が吹き、何か大いなるものの存在を感じたのでした。それぞれが参拝、祈りのことばを述べ、記帳を済ませたあと、しばらく厳かな気持ちで時を過ごしました。
紅葉はきれいで、敷き詰められた落ち葉は柔らかでした。
「今日のお山は優しい」明峰先生は言われていましたが、歓迎していただいたと感じました。

黒瀧さま ふく秋風の すがすがし　克

お山を降りるとすぐ雨が降り出しました。そしてしばらくすると大きな「虹」がかかりました。ああ、なにものかが見守ってくれているのだな、と感じました。
翌日は11月28日は新市政がスタートする日でした。この市政によって新しいよき風が西条市、愛媛県、日本、そして世界に吹きわたることを願っています。

[Kurotaki Shrine: Hidden Sanctuary] Pilgrimage to the Inner Shrine Overlooking the Community
On Wednesday, November 27th, four of us—myself, Yamabushi Master Meihou, and two friends—climbed to the inner shrine of Kurotaki Shrine nestled deep in the mountains.
Despite a forecast of rain, we set off under clear blue skies at 11:30 a.m. With no defined trail, we relied on red ribbons tied to trees as markers to guide us through the untamed forest. Using fallen branches as walking sticks rather than proper hiking poles made the climb all the more challenging. We ascended through a forest dotted with ancient trees, including oaks over 1,000 years old. At one point, I was exhausted and had to borrow a proper hiking stick to continue.
When we finally reached the shrine, we were awestruck. The grandeur of the shrine’s main hall and sanctuary seemed almost unreal in such a remote location. As we approached the worship hall, a sudden gust of wind roared through, as if to announce the presence of something greater than ourselves. We each offered our prayers, recorded our visit in the guest book, and spent some time in solemn reflection.
The autumn leaves were breathtaking, and the ground was carpeted with soft, fallen foliage. Master Meihou remarked, “The mountain feels kind today.” We felt as though we had been warmly welcomed by the mountain itself.
Kurotaki-sama
A gentle autumn breeze,
So refreshing.
—Katsu
After we descended the mountain, rain began to fall, and before long we were graced by the appearance of a magnificent rainbow. It felt as though some divine presence was watching over us.
The following day, November 28th, marked the start of a new city administration. With this transition, I pray for a fresh, benevolent wind to spread across Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, and the world.