Understanding 'Chinowa Kuguri' (Passing through the Grass Ring) through Manga: Shrines / Nagoshi no Harae / Chanting / Etiquette
Today is June 30th. It is the day of "Nagoshi no Harae" (Summer Purification).
A Shinto ritual to wash away the misfortunes of the first half of the year and welcome the second half with a fresh spirit
——that is "Chinowa Kuguri".
Is that large ring standing at the shrine in your neighborhood, too?
Review
Basic steps for Chinowa Kuguri
1. Bow once at the front
Stop a little in front of the Chinowa, stand straight, and bow once.
2. First pass: Go around from the left
Step over the Chinowa with your left foot, pass through, and return to the front by going counter-clockwise.
Bow once when you return to the front.
3. Second pass: Go around from the right
Step over the Chinowa with your right foot, pass through, and return to the front by going clockwise.
Bow once when you return to the front.
4. Third pass: Go around from the left
Step over the Chinowa with your left foot again, pass through, and return to the front by going counter-clockwise.
Bow once when you return to the front.
5. Pray
Pass through one last time, proceed to the worship hall, and
pray with two bows, two claps, and one bow.
■ What is the "chant" for "Chinowa Kuguri"?
For "Chinowa Kuguri",there is a chant to ask the gods
for purification and support.
The formal etiquette is to chant it aloud or recite it in your heart while passing through.
The wording is not fixed, but let us introduce a representative chant.
"Harae tamai, kiyome tamai, mamori tamai, sakiwae tamai"
"Harae tamai" means 'please purify my sins and impurities,' "kiyome tamai" means 'please cleanse my body and soul,' "mamori tamai" means 'please protect my path,' and "sakiwae tamai" means 'please lead me to happiness.' By the way, "sakiwae" has the lovely meaning of 'becoming abundantly happy like a blooming flower.'
[Trivia Corner](Reference: Quoted from Precious.jp article)
The origin of Chinowa Kuguri dates back to the myth of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
The origin is said to be the teaching received by Somin Shorai, who hosted a traveler: 'Wear a grass ring around your waist.'
It is a romantic origin story that over the long history, it became larger and something that people pass through.
*Reference: Precious.jp 'Do you know about Chinowa Kuguri?'
Wash away the first half of the year completely and tighten your resolve for the second half.
There might be a Chinowa at the shrine in your neighborhood, too.
Please try taking that special step, just for today.
This is an article by my mentor and colleagues