Le quatrième pèlerinage à Kumano de l'empereur retiré Gotoba, en 1201, selon le Meigetsuki, notes journalières de Fujiwara Teika

Abstract

This work describes the diverse aspects of a pilgrimage to Kumano, located in the southern part of Kii Peninsula, renowned as the center for the practice of shugendô. In spite of its ascetic dimension, this journey had become the object of an almost frenzied infatuation of abdicated emperors during Insei (or the Period of Abdicated Rulers, 1086-1221). In this article, we introduce the translation and the commentaries regarding the relation of the fourth pilgrimage of the abdicated Emperor Gotoba in 1201 as chronicled by Fujiwara Teika in his diary, Meigetsu-ki. The meticulousness of the descriptions and Teika's somewhat distant view of the journey, due to his duties as attendant of the imperial offerings, make this document one of the major sources for comprehending this important religion practiced from the end of the Ancient Times to the beginning of the Middle Ages.