The Honorable Trees of Japan
From 2012 to 2017 Louise co-wrote and taught a course in Japan titled ‘Environment & Spirituality - Walking the Pilgrimage’ which involved an investigation into the animist environmentalism of Shintoism. The Course focused on the cultural significance of nature, both contemporary and historical, using the 1000 year old Kumano-kodo pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. An experiential course, students and staff spent 5 days walking the Kumano-Kodo, finally arriving at the Monastery town of Koyasan. Students also worked with communities in Japan to establish large public art works.
The Holy city of Ise is located on the eastern tip of Kii Peninsula, in central Mie Prefecture, on the island of Honshū, Japan. Home to the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shintō shrine in Japan, this shot was taken in the sacred forest around the Grand Shrine.
Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. This shot was taken in the cemetery surrounding Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.
This shot was taken in the village of Chikatsuyu, on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trail. Japan
Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. This shot was taken in the cemetery surrounding Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.
Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. This shot was taken in the cemetery surrounding Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.