World and Lore / Kyoto mystery

A Spiritual Journey

The tainai meguri, or "journey through the womb," is a curious rite held in an underground passage beneath Zuigu-do Hall, on the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Those who take part in the rite feel their way through the inky dark, guided only by a series of wall-mounted prayer beads, before arriving at a dimly glowing stone, which they rub their hands over. Upon completing their journey, initiates are said to feel reborn in body and mind.