Thank you for attending to Kodama Shizume no Matsuri (Calming Spirits of Trees Ceremony) on Sunday, November 4th at The Learning Garden (Venice High School) in Los Angeles, CA!
We had about 40 people paid respect and appreciation to tree spirits.
We had an introduction / lecture about Shinto and explain about ceremony program as well as what Shinto priest will read as prayer (which is more like poem) to spirits. Also we practice praying method and Temizu (purification with water).
The ancient Japanese people understood that every natural object and phenomenon possessed a spirit. Feeling awe and deep reverence for nature, they came to regard these spirits as Kami (deities). Over time, jinja (Shinto shrines) were built where these Kami were believed to dwell. The practices of prayer to these Kami, as well as the mindset of harmonious living with divine nature, was handed down from generation to generation and is today called Shinto, or “Way of the Kami”.
Shinto is the way of living which respects nature, other people, and ancestors.
Shinto is a mindset and way of life that has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Unlike Buddhism, Christianity, or other religions, Shinto has no holy texts, nor individual founder.
While Shinto is distinctly Japanese, anybody may practice. After all, every person is in the midst of divine nature and every person receives its blessings, such as the fruits of the earth and the warmth from the sun. What we do at the ceremony is paying respect, show appreciation, and tell our wishes to nature.
One of the most important elements of Shinto practice is seeking harmony and co-existence not only between people and nature, but also among the people of our families, communities, and world. In today’s society, the need to strive for these goals has become more apparent than ever before. The lifestyle of Shinto offers a timeless, harmonious spirit to draw upon as we work towards a peaceful world for all living things.
Let’s pass along Japanese eco-friendly traditional lifestyle to next generation!
We hold various events for introducing Japanese eco-friendly traditional lifestyle for
our future generation can enjoy nature like as us.
Please come and enjoy our events!!
