Dance of the Gods
- At September 16, 2018
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
Shinto rituals, deeply aligned with Nature, most often manifest as dance. These performances are held at shrines cyclically and regularly in order to reassure the alignment of this earth with the patterns and wisdom of the Gods.
Each movement of these rituals, from the shaking of rattles to the stomping of feet, is precise and carries weight and meaning far beyond what the eye can see and the heart can feel.
Shinto rituals, deeply aligned with Nature, most often manifest as dance. These performances are held at shrines cyclically and regularly in order to reassure the alignment of this earth with the patterns and wisdom of the Gods.
Each movement of these rituals, from the shaking of rattles to the stomping of feet, is precise and carries weight and meaning far beyond what the eye can see and the heart can feel.
Indeed, these dance rituals bring every cell of our being to oneness with the cosmos and the infinite worlds manifested therein. We are not separate. We are each a living cell in the incomprehensible immensity of our infinite universe.
Once a year Osaki Hachiman Jingu, an important Shinto shrine in Sendai, holds a special early autumn ceremony. Importantly, this occasion honors the young, especially children. For that there is a large art show by the community’s youngsters.
Some of the rituals were performed by priests, but most were by local youngsters. Isn’t there so much symbolism and beauty in that tradition of blending the flow of life in all stages of becoming? The sense of belonging, of community, of being included is surely an integral part of the reminders this ceremony evokes. We are indeed a part of the energy and wisdom of the Gods and should forever strive to align our thoughts and actions accordingly.
Love,
Anne
Once a year Osaki Hachiman Jingu, an important Shinto shrine in Sendai, holds a special early autumn ceremony. Importantly, this occasion honors the young, especially children. For that there is a large art show by the community’s youngsters.
And local kids practice for weeks so they can perform the highly stylized, deeply meaningful Noh Kagura rituals of the shrine.
Two of my favorite children perform every year. This year Asahi, age 10, was confident and sure as he and his partner stomped and bowed, twirled and swayed in repetitive rhythmic dance.
Two of my favorite children perform every year. This year Asahi, age 10, was confident and sure as he and his partner stomped and bowed, twirled and swayed in repetitive rhythmic dance.
His younger brother, Tatsuo, was the littlest on stage. His job was to dramatically thwart evil with head-sitting and kicks.
Some of the rituals were performed by priests, but most were by local youngsters. Isn’t there so much symbolism and beauty in that tradition of blending the flow of life in all stages of becoming? The sense of belonging, of community, of being included is surely an integral part of the reminders this ceremony evokes. We are indeed a part of the energy and wisdom of the Gods and should forever strive to align our thoughts and actions accordingly.
Love,
Anne
