THE EXPERIENCE OF MISOGHI

Misogi is a purification practice that arose in ancient Japan and consists of entering the falling stream of water from a waterfall or immersion in a river, lake or the sea.

In ancient Japan nothing was taken for granted but life represented a way, a path, a journey in which at various levels men, women, ancestors, gods and spirits continued in the continuous evolution of their existence. All earth was considered a large temple in which people practiced not for salvation in a mysterious afterlife but to realise in every waking moment true happiness and human contentment.

Immersed in nature we can improve our lives beyond what could be thought possible and draw on a new intense life force. Through Misogi nature gently embraces us and heals us. It also shows us who we truly are; our virtues, flaws weaknesses and false persona are all revealed without having to do meditation.

Within every man and woman there exists a centre which longs for a close relationship with nature. With the practice of Misogi we fortify our hearts and centre because the world has become a hard place and only by immersing ourselves in this “hardness” can we find our true potential and worth. This is most important as with this comes rationality, mental agility and finally physicality.

Misogi is not a challenge or an adventure. Being among nature helps us to understand our true and original essence. The practice of Misogi helps the cells of our body regenerate and start to emit traces of light eventually to help us to return to being brilliant souls in their natural state.

A Waterfall is not just water but a living and vital source of energy. When we immerse ourselves in the stream of cold Water we merge spiritually with this energy. It seems in that moment to be a meeting of two souls that of man and nature - a synergism with the force of nature. Misogi removes the dusty accumulation of our existence and tunes us spiritually. This is the true significance of Misogi and a way of understanding the world which surrounds us. In this way we cultivate a calm persona and perceive and become aware of our centre.

When entering the water we announce our names then surnames (to show the uninterrupted line of our inheritance) then our spiritual names as god’s sons and daughters. In this way we enter with our minds as human beings but with our hearts as god’s children receiving god’s light. In this way the dusty material accumulation of our existence is removed and spiritually we link with The God of the Cosmos to become aware of the world and to receive a renewed life force.

Just before starting Misogi we gaze with trepidation at the cold and thumping jets of water that make up the waterfall. So we ask with the greatest of respect for permission to enter the waterfall and do so only in the correct manner. On entering the fall the mind becomes empty and thoughts disappear, leaving only room for the emergence of our true self nature as men and women. This resonates as a voice in tune with that of the whole universe. We are able to feel the immense joy and emotion from being freed from our fears, habits and inherent human rationality.

The water welcomes everyone and after Misogi there is a general feeling of happiness for having been able to get rid of our negativity. But this has not “gone” the water took it away. Water accepts all and nature is truly full of love.