Experiencing Japan the slow way (on the 750-mile Shikoku Pilgrimage)

“Don’t define your journey while you’re still on it. Be open to it. Don’t think it’s only going to be one way.” – Paul Barach

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Paul discuss why Paul chose Japan for a pilgrimage, and the seven categories of disciplines he used on the hike (1:40); the route and history of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (9:40); Paul’s experiences on the trail (21:00); and Paul’s lessons and regrets from the trip, including why you shouldn’t define your journey while you’re still on it (34:30).

Paul Barach is a stand-up comic, storyteller, producer, and writer. He is the author of Fighting Monks and Burning Mountains, about his experience hiking the Shikoku Pilgrimage trail.

Notable Links:

• Kūkai (Japanese Buddhist monk)
• Burning Mountain Temple (Shikoku pilgrimage site)
• Camino de Santiago (Spain pilgrimage route)
• Shikoku Henro Trail (online resource)
• Ryokan (Japanese inn)
• Kyokushin (karate style)
• Gōjū-ryū (karate style)
• Ichiro Suzuki (Japanese baseball player)

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at [email protected].