Dear friends,

Lately, it’s been tough.
My life in Japan, my study, my job hunt, my mind, my thoughts, my heart, my love. All of them suddenly become so difficult to explain. I thought I could make it like I always do, but I burn out. Hard to admit it. I need a reset, restart, reinsurance or something, but I still have to keep moving forward.

I do need a purification ritual. I need Misogi. So, shall we talk about it?

So, what is Misogi?

At its heart, misogi is about purifying the body and mind from kegare—a state of defilement or impurity that can be physical, spiritual, or mental. In ancient Japan, before the formalization of religions, people believed that natural elements, particularly water, had the power to wash away this defilement, thereby restoring a person’s spiritual balance and connection to the divine.

This act is deeply rooted in the myth of Izanagi, one of the two creator deities in Japanese mythology. After his journey to the underworld to retrieve his wife Izanami, Izanagi performed a grand purification ritual in a river to cleanse himself of the impurities of the land of the dead. It was from this very act that numerous deities, including Amaterasu – Tsukuyomi – Susanoo. This foundational myth cements Misogi‘s importance as not just a cleansing ritual, but a creative and regenerative one.

The concept of Misogi is a traditional Japanese practice of ritual purification. Misogi holds a profound and important role in both Shintoism and Buddhism. It’s not just a simple act of purifying, it shapes spiritual beliefs and manifesting in modern-day practices. Misogi has its unique impact on Japan’s two major religions and highlighting notable places where this powerful ritual continues to thrive.

Misogi’s Impact on Shintoism:

In Shintoism, Misogi is not just a practice but an important pillar of faith. The core of Shinto belief is the workship of Kami, the divine spirits that inhabit all things, from mountains and rivers to trees and rocks. Practicing Misogi is to approach Kami with a pure heart and body is paramount.

Before entering the haiden, visitors perform a simple form of Misogi called temizu at a purification fountain (chouzuya). This involves washing the hands and rinsing the mouth, symbolizing the cleansing of the body and soul before entering the sacred space to show respect to Kami.

However, the more rigorous form of Misogi is practiced by Shinto priests and dedicated practitioners, often under a waterfall. This is an intense ritual, sometimes performed in cold weather, is believed to strengthen your spirit, improve focus, and bring the practitioner into a closer communion with the Kami. It is an act of discipline and devotion that seeks to transcend the physical self and achieve a state of spiritual clarity.

Misogi’s Impact on Buddhism:

When Buddhism first came to Japan, it brought its own set of purification rituals and practices. The concept of Misogi was not abandoned during that time but slowly integrated and adapted into a new spiritual framework. While Shintoism focuses on purity to connect with Kami, Japanese Buddhism like Shingon and Tendai incorporated Misogi as a form of ascetic training to achieve enlightenment.

Monks and practitioners of Japanese Buddhism often perform Misogi as a way to discipline the body and mind, enduring the cold water to overcome worldly desires and physical limitations. The focus is shifted from washing away Kegare to purifying the self from the “three poisons” of Buddhism as greed, anger, and ignorance. The practice of Misogi in Buddhism became a meditative act. This syncretism is particularly evident in the practice of Shugendou, a unique spiritual tradition that combines elements of Shintoism, Buddhism, and folk animism. Shugendou practitioners are known as yamabushi, means “those who lie in the mountains”. Yamabushi perform Misogi under waterfalls as part of their rigorous mountain training to attain spiritual powers and enlightenment.

Many sacred places across Japan are renowned as centers for Misogi and related purification practices. These places often feature natural features like waterfalls, rivers, and springs that are believed to possess special spiritual power. Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture is one of the most famous and sacred sites for Misogi, as the Nachi Falls is Japan’s tallest waterfall. Mount Ontake in Nagano/Gifu Prefectures is a sacred mountain for Shugendou and Ontake-kyou practitioners. The waterfalls on the mountain are used for intense Misogi training, often involving chants and rituals while standing under the cascading water.

The practice of Misogi, whether in its ancient form or its modern adaptations still remains a powerful testament to the human desire for purity and spiritual renewal. In Shintoism, it is a way to connect with the divine, ensuring a state of spiritual cleanliness. In Buddhism, it has been integrated into ascetic practices, serving as a tool for self-discipline and the pursuit of enlightenment. As a bridge between ancient beliefs and contemporary spiritual practices, practicing Misogi continues to shape the cultural and religious landscape of Japan, a timeless ritual of purification in an ever-changing world.