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Morning in a Shrine
99.11.28/ Temperature: 4C/ Weather: Heavy rain/ Wind Direction: W
Current Location: Ogunimachi 38 03 42 N 139 45 33 E
Distance Traveled: 0 km (Rest day)Storms of fierce wind and rain kept me from exploring downtown Oguni today. Held up in a local hotel, I recalled an experience I have yet to share with all of you. When in Akita, I had an opportunity to stay in a Shinto shrine. The following morning I was able to participate in the shrine's morning worship and learn a little bit about how Mr. Shibuya, one Shinto Priest at the Sosha Shrine, views nature.
Surrounding the spacious tatami (straw mat) room were thin sliding doors. Light pierced through the paper and glass of the doors in the early morning hour. Mr. Shibuya summoned me to come for the shrine's morning worship. The worship is one of several daily rituals to express thanks to the kami (spirits) of the shrine.
Entering the main room of the shrine I was asked to sit in front of the altar. Complete silence filled the dimly lit room. "BOOM, BOOM, boom, boom, boomcc.," softly beat the ceremonial drum. Autumn coolness crept through the wooden floorboards. On the altar rested several ears of this years rice harvest, Japanese rice wine, salt and water. Light pierced in through the doors opened behind the altar. Another chamber to the shrine could be seen beyond the open doors.
Mr. Shibuya recited the morning prayer's opening remarks and picked up a staff with jagged white paper attached to the top. Waving the staff back and forth in long flowing strokes over the altar he purified the offerings. Turning toward me in his traditional white top and light blue baggy pants, Mr. Shibuya passed the staff over me purifying me and handed me a small branch to offer to the shrine. Bowing and clapping twice to the altar, I offered the branch to the kami placing it on the altar. Mr. Shibuya recited more words and the ceremony closed with the "BOOM, BOOM, boom, boom, boomc." of the drums with which it started.
It was very relaxing experience. I was very fortunate to be a part of the ceremony as very few people have the opportunity to be a part of the daily routine in local shrines. Jumping at the opportunity to find more out about Shinto, I spoke with Mr. Shibuya about Shinto and its relationship with nature.
"In Shinto there are kami (spirits) in everything-the trees, sky, rocks, and birds. Shrines all over have worked for centuries to protect their grounds," he said pointing out to the 300-400 year old trees in the shrine grounds. "Here at the shrine we keep in constant relationship with nature's cycle and the people of the community through various events. These events throughout the year include things such as post planting festivals and harvest festivals. Nature has a one year cycle and so do we humans."
In addition to celebrating the natural cycle of the year which can be seen and measured, according to Mr. Shibuya, it also celebrates that which cannot be seen. "Shinto shows appreciate for all of the kami (spirits) in nature. One cannot always see all of them. In Shinto it is also important to appreciate that which we cannot see immediately with our own eyes. It should be the same for people. There is nature within the hearts of people but it isn't always that easy to see. I think the things we can't see in nature and the nature within oneself are very important."
As I departed the shrine that morning to head south I imagined that there is a kami (spirit) in everything-- not just the ocean to the west and the sand along its beaches but the soles of my shoes and even the pavement I tread over. Still a little unsure of Shinto practices, it was a new and strange feeling. I enjoyed thanking all of the kami for each step I took and for permitting me to pass through. I also thanked all that I could not see trusting that my thanks might be well received.
Greg
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