Hiroko Matsuyama
Shinto does not accept that human beings are born bad or impure; in fact, it states that humans are born pure and share in the divine soul. Badness, impurity, or sin come later in life and can usually be eliminated by simple cleansing or purifying rituals.
The first misogi-purification ritual in Japan is recounted in the myth of Izanagi-Izanami in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters compiled in 712).
It originated when Izanami, upon returning from Hades, the land of the dead, performed misogi-purification at Awagihara in Odo, Chikushi Hyuga Bridge, to purify the land of the dead.
Incidentally, Izanagi gave birth to various deities while performing misogi purification.
About Sin and Impurity
Sin refers to antisocial acts, pestilence, and calamities that cause fear in people.
In the Shinto world, defilement refers to the state in which one’s chi (vital energy/life force) is withered, or in other words, one’s life force is exhausted.
Death is the most common example of this depletion of the life force. At the time of death, those who are left behind are stricken with incomparable sadness and a sense of loss.
Anything that disturbs the purity of things and the tranquility of the mind is also called defilement.
The difference between Misogi and Purification
Misogi is becoming clean by removing dirt and impurities from the body. Specifically, to purify oneself, one bathes in water to wash and cleanse the body.
It refers to voluntarily bathing or being dashed with a cascade of water. Thus, misogi is “voluntarily shaving off.”
The word “misogi” means “I have gone through a painful process of purging myself” or “I have offered you what I have to offer, so please forgive me.”
Purification, conversely, is purifying one’s mind of impurity and praying to God to prevent bad things from befalling one.
This differs from misogi in that it is “altruistic”. An example of this is the Shinto prayers (prayer of congratulation) recited by a Shinto priest when you visit a shrine.
Shinto prayers are words that priests chant to the deity. The celebratory words at this time are called “ooharae-norito,” and it is “altruistic” to ask the priest to recite them or to ask the god to purify them.
The word “purify” conjures the image of praying, “God, please purify me.”
Shinto prayers: Words of congratulation
Since ancient times, people have believed that words have mystical and spiritual power and that uttering them activates the spiritual power that resides in them.
Therefore, words of congratulation are read with the spirit of words when expressing gratitude to the gods or when making a request.
Traditionally, purification ceremonies are held at the court and shrines in June, December, and New Year’s Eve to purge away sins and impurities for six months.
The purification rite has also been performed when there is an epidemic or natural disaster or when an essential national ceremony is held, such as the death of the emperor or the Onamesai ceremony.
Physical Benefits of Misogi
An increase in red blood cells to fight against cold and an increase in oxygen (heat) makes the body more resistant to cold.
Blood vessels on the body’s surface dilate, and blood flow becomes more active. Blood concentration changes and the internal organs become more resistant.
The Spiritual Benefits of Misogi
One is saved from a wrong life, healed of incurable diseases, and becomes healthy and long-lived. One can get rid of delusion.
One can stand in the unity of the three worlds, in the oneness of the manifest and the invisible, and the peace and tranquility of life. To purify and deify one’s ancestors and predecessors, and to live in eternal life.
What for?
What is the purpose of purification through misogi-purification?
Remember that we have been given the “parting Spirit” from God.
This is because we bear the “misfortunes, sins, and defilements” of the world. In order not to forget this, we should make a habit of “misogi-purification.”
Visiting a Shrine: A Form of Purification
Therefore, visiting a shrine is also a form of purification. By clearing our minds through the practice of chozu (water with one’s hands) and by having a Shinto priest recite a prayer, we are saying, “Let’s make our lives happier” and “Let’s open our hearts and minds to good fortune.
Purifying Agents: Water and Salt
Water is essential for life, and salt is essential in Shinto purification.
Misogi-purification is a purification ritual in which Izanami returns from the land of the dead and bathes in seawater to purify herself of impurities.
Misogi, a ritual of rebirth upon returning to this world from Hades, is said to be the origin of the Shinto ritual and an act of salt purification.
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