The Texas Shinto Study Group (www.texasshinto.org) will be holding a New Year's Day Misogi at 12:00 Noon at Hamilton Pool Falls on Sunday, January 1st, 2006. Misogi is a great ritual for purifying one's self; especially at the start of the new year. WE WILL BE MEETING RAIN OR SHINE. In the event of rain meet in the parking lot. About Misogi The following is a condensed explanation of Misogi from http://www.tsubakishrine.com/test/Misogi.asp : In the most literal sense Misogi is the practice of removing kegare (pollution) from the body/mind/spirit by ritual bathing in cold water... purification in a river, waterfall, or sea. Since ancient times, techniques for achievement of higher levels of judgment and intuition as well as mental/physical/spiritual renewal have been practiced. These activities are sometimes called Gyo (exercise, training) or more formally Misogi Harai: cleaning/purification of the body/mind. In practice, Misogi can refer to the whole technology or spiritual discipline of casting off impurities, tuning and invigorating the physiological being. Misogi practices can be subclassified as cleansing the body, the heart, the environment, and the spirit. Cleaning the physical body involves literal washing away of external dirt and washing away toxins within the body by purifying the bowels and blood, adjusting diet and sleep, and regulating body movement in ways to increase centripetality as well as inner and outer harmony. Heart Misogi is releasing old thought patterns and beliefs that are no longer life enhancing, moving towards a positive mental life and understanding of Kannagara to obtain inner peace and harmony, manifesting Kansha (thankfulness) leading to a balanced heart whose attributes are: Akaki Kokoro - purity and cheerfulness of heart. NOTE ON HACHIMAKI Hachimaki are the white cotton headbands that usually have some sort of design on them. The design on the Hachimaki from the Tsubaki includes the red tomoe and Japanese lettering. They are available through the Tsubaki Shrine but I do not recall the price. I will try to have some spares by that time. If you want a Hachimaki of your own, please contact Rev. Barrish at (360) 691-6389, kannushi@tsubakishrine or www.tsubakishrine.com. Details Date: Sunday January 1st, 2006 Time: 10:00 CST Contact: For more information contact John Hidalgo at (512) 310-2142 or oniyama@texas.net. Recommended Attire: Men - Fundoshi or swim trunks, Women - White short kimono or keiko gi jacket/top with appropriate swimwear. Everyone - Hachimaki (I will try to have some by that time), kimono or robe, zori or similar sandals Bring: Tatami beach mat or a beach towel. There is a changing room with showers on site so feel free to bring whatever toiletries you wish. Where to meet: Meet at the entrance at the main building. In the event of rain, meet at the covered picnic area (see picture below). Location: Hamilton Pool Falls, Driftwood, Texas (See: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp). They can be contacted at (512) 264-2740 . Directions: Hamilton Pool is approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin. Take Highway 71 west of Austin through the town of Bee Cave and turn leftonto FM 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road). Travel 13 miles to the Preserve entrance, on your right. Entrance Fee: Day Permit -- $8.00 (per vehicle) © 2004, 2005, 2006 John Hidalgo, Texas Shinto Study Group. All rights reserved. For information on this page please contact the webmaster. |
