Shinto

[trystinn]

There is an old phrase I've known for so long I cannot fathom where I first read it - the mind of the Jew is Western, but the soul of a Jew is Oriental. Yesterday, I finally understood that. Yesterday we traveled to the Tsubaki America Kannushi Shrine, priested by Rev. Koichi Barrish (Sensei). It isn't often, in my life in any case, that one has the opportunity to meet an Ascended Master. Barrish is one, I believe. While of Western birth, Barrish lives, breathes and speaks through Shinto. It is a glorious experience to be in his presence. Shinto has always deeply drawn me with its sense of balance and order, ritual and discipline. The Kabbalist understands these things, the OCD revels in them. The Japanese offerings of balance, harmony and gracious hospitality are soothingly magnetic.

"A visit to the Shinto Shrine begins with a purification called

Misogi

. This particularly form utilizes a stone water basin and a bamboo dipper. Holding the full dipper in your right hand, you step back so the water falls upon flagstones and not back into the basin. Pouring water over the left hand, you then transfer hands and do the same to the right. Cleansing the left again, you then cup it to collect water and wash your mouth, then your left hand again. You then cleanse the dipper by holding it upright so the remaining water flows out upon the handle. Its a lovely, simple ritual.

We then approach the steps to the Shrine. There is another ritual here. alfrecht guides us in this, as he had in the

Misogi

. In this, we drop coins into a wide wooden box. We bow twice, clap our hands twice, bow again and ring a bell. Though some of the order escapes me now. We are welcomed and brought into the shrine by an acolyte, who indicates we should remove our shoes and then go upstairs. We are brought into a

kami

shrine containing carved wooden statues (the kami), banners, pennants, stained glass pieces and the reoccurring symbols of Triangle, Circle and Box and a symbol of Shinto that reminds one of a triskele, with numerous symbolisms including Past, Present and Future. There is so much to see, but it is also time to talk with friends and begin the gradual settling of our restless Western bodies. Green tea is brought to us in small asian cups and set on wooden saucers. Delightful.

When the Sensei enters, he greets us warmly with a blessing and bow. Its a bit odd to bow seated but we manage. Sensei tells us about the history of his Temple, how he came to Shinto, the cultural elements around us and the two kami represented by the carvings. We listen quietly. This is so foreign to our experiences, and yet we are drawn to parallels within our own paths but mindfully so. Sensei has already blessed a wedding and he's more folks arriving after us, but at the moment he is present in the eternal now. It is a profound lesson for us and we are in awe of his serenity. The rain outside, he explains, is a

Misogi

for the world we are so blessed. He leaves us for a moment to prepare, which gives us an opportunity to place the priest offering in anonymous envelopes to leave at his place on the low Japanese table. We write out our names and locations so that we may be properly introduced to the

kami

. When Sensei re-appears he is in traditional Shinto priestly garb and the energy resonation has deepened. He greats us warmly again, takes up our envelopes and thanks us. Chris and I have brought him a gift, a Jewish tradition to bring candy so that our meeting may be sweet. This and the envelopes are left on the altar for the

kami

. Once again, the Sensei leaves us to prepare downstairs. We know it is time to join him by the great altar drum.

We exit the small room in a line, following alfrecht through the Temple. We bow before the altar, then walk up the right side of the room. Simple stools of wood and fabric have been set for us, it is all front row seating. I am on the far left side and I find myself magnetically drawn to the spirit house just outside. Sensei begins by kneeling on a round twisted rug, moving with slow, graceful movements through his introductions, blessing, purifications and requests. His low, almost glottal chanting, is mesmerizing and your body responds by deepening into relaxation, your mind settles into this new altered state. Waves of energy enter and leave the Shrine, almost like a large bird swooping and circling effortlessly. I am jerked out of this revelry by the demanding pulse of the altar drum commanding attention. In measured, rhythmic doses he draws the mallets back and forth against the drum. Tap, tap, bong! Tap, tap, bong! The vibration shoots through your body like caffeine hitting the system. What was languorous becomes fully awakened. All too soon, it is over. We are given small saucers of sake, which are taken in three sips, then the saucer returned with both hands and a bow.

We are then directed to the Temple Tschockes. I have prepared to spend deeply in support of the Shrine. There are many in my life that could use the blessings of the kami: Laura, Joshua, the furkids, the Tryst Inn itself. And yes, even I receive a blessing of smooth jade along with the required purchases of books and CDs. Jews have an almost wistful relationship to the Temples of others having lost our own. We are not likely to see the rise of a Jewish Temple again, and so we are moved to support those of others. This is a bittersweet thing. I am also mindful of my responsibilities as a BTW Priestess to a Priest of Shinto.

Sensei asks if I have additional questions and knowing his time is very precious, I ask about the spirit house outside. It is the traveling Spirit Shrine of another temple, housed here though the

kami

have been added to the permanent main Shrine for safe keeping. Someone has asked about the altar offerings, these are two vases of sake, the others of salt, rice and water. Sensei tells us that the salt and rice are using for other ritual purposes, the water used for

misogi

and cooking and the sake was served to us after the service. Sensei asks us to return, and after we request services to bless Chris' academic efforts and Josh's continued safety, we take our leave. Freshly purified, blessed and energized with new hope and serenity.

By now the rain is coming down in torrents, so our goodbye hugs are necessarily brief. We will absolutely return to the Shinto Shrine and bring friends to meet the

Kami

. I have always dreamed of a traditional Japanese garden here and I find myself even more determined to realize it here at the Tryst Inn."

Phil, you mentioned a book - something like Essence of Shinto? Could you tell me the proper title and author?