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Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers

by Ann Llewellyn Evans; co-published with Tenchi Press

138 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #01-0540; ISBN 1-55369-138-5; US$19.50, C$25.00, EUR16.30, £11.30

Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers is the first book to present not only an English translation of ancient Shinto prayers, but also the romanized Japanese pronunciation. Experience the spiritual vibration of life and the divinity of all creation.

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about the book      about the author      excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book     This book presents, for the first time, a collection of ancient Japanese Shinto prayers in a format where English speaking readers can both understand the deep meaning of the translated text and can also pronounce the original Japanese words.     Shinto is an ancient spiritual tradition, primarily practiced in Japan, which is now spreading its traditions to the western world. Its primordial rituals and traditions touch a deep chord within one's spiritual self. Shinto's focus on divinity of all beings and of all creation, on living with gratitude and humility, and on purification and lustration of one's self and environment will bring light and joy to any reader.     The purpose of prayer and ritual as practiced in the Shinto tradition, is to reinsert ourselves into a divine state of being, not as a new position, but as an acknowledgement and reinforcement of what already exists. Ritual restores sensitive awareness to our relationship to the universe. Through purification and removal of impurities and blockages, we return to our innate internal brightness and cultivate a demeanor of gratitude and joy.     Shinto rituals and prayers were created by ancient man over 2,000 years ago in a time when mankind was more intuitive about his relationship to this world. Because of this, the rites are archetypal and invoke deep emotion within the participants.     This book of prayers will introduce the western reader to the deep spirituality of Shinto, providing explanation of the spiritual tradition and practice and providing a collection of 22 prayers for use in personal meditation and devotions. Order a coil bound version of Shinto Norito

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About the Author

Ann Llewellyn Evans is a Shinto priestess, trained and licensed by Tsubaki Kami Yashiro, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. She conducts Shinto ceremonies and retreat seminars throughout North America for people wanting to learn and understand Shinto spiritual practice.     She is actively involved in helping introduce Shinto to North America through education, practice, and establishing facilities where interested followers can come to learn about and participate in Shinto ceremonies.     Rev. Evans is married and has three children; she lives in British Columbia, Canada.

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Excerpts

From the Introduction:
    Shinto is a spiritual tradition that emphasizes each person's sacred nature. Mankind is a descendant of the kami, the spiritual beings who have existed since the universe congealed. As descendants of the kami, we have innate brightness within us. From time to time, this luster may be dulled through impurities and incorrect action. However, through the rituals of Shinto we may purify ourselves, restoring the original luster and luminosity and finding great joy in our lives.
    The very simplicity of Shinto forces us to profoundly search our own hearts for the correct path, for Shinto does not provide us doctrines by which to live. Instead, it connects us to an ancient, archetypal spirituality which was developed thousands of years ago yet has permitted individual creativity and interpretation so that it remains meaningful and emotionally powerful in our modern day world.

 

Sacred Prayer
SHIN PAISHI

 

Humbly, I approach the kami in prayer.
I pray to the kami of Tsubaki Grand Shrine; speaking with reverant heart, I present offerings and prayers.
I come in humility and with great respect.
Kakema kumo kahikoki
Tsubaki O Kami yashiro No omae o orogami matsurite
Kashikomi kashikomi mo maosaku

I beseech all the kami to accept these offerings that are brought with
Gratitude for the blessings and the noble teachings
That have been bestowed upon me
O kamitachi no hiroki atsuki mi megumi o katajikenami matsuri
Takaki totoki misohie no mani mani

To the divine, exalted kami, I humbly offer my prayers.
Teach me to live with a pure and sincere heart.
Grant me perserverance and that my heart be genuine, childlike, and true.
Grant that I stay on the path of sincerity and truth.
Grant that I be strong and diligent at my deeds.
Sumera mikoto o aogi matsuri naoki tadashiki magokoro mochite
Makoto no michi ni tago koto naku
Oimotsu waza ni nage mashime tamai

Grant good health to my family; give them strength in spirit, mind, and body.
Grant that I may benefit and serve all mankind.
With awe and reverence, I humbly speak these words.
Ie kado takaku mi sukoyaka ni
Yo no tame hito no tame ni tsuku sashime to
Kashikomi kashikomi mo maosu

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Catalogue Information

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