Pure (PuRIFY)
Misogi
In Shintoism, the ritual of washing away sins and impurities with water to purify the mind and body is called ``Misogi.'' Its origins lie in Japanese mythology, based on the account of a god who returned from the underworld (the world of the dead), washed his body in a river, and was revived. This simplified ritual involves rinsing your hands and mouth at the chozuya before entering the shrine. Since ancient times, the Japanese have believed that water has the spiritual power to wash away sin and impurity. Impurity is a state of being ``depleted'', that is, a state in which life force is depleted. Touching water revives withered energy and returns it to a clean state, which is the origin of the Japanese word ``purification.''
salt (shio)
Salt has strong bactericidal and preservative properties. The ancient Japanese knew from experience that salt was a substance that ``prevents things from rotting, which means keeping away death (impurity).'' Therefore, salt is used in rituals as a symbol of purity. Sprinkling salt on the sumo ring is to purify the sacred place, and is also a prayer to avoid injury. In addition, the ``mori-shio'' that can be seen at the entrance of a restaurant acts as a spell to invite customers, and at the same time, it functions as a barrier to purify the entrance and exit and prevent bad air from entering.
Entrance (Genkan)
The ``entrance'' in Japanese houses is an entrance and exit, but it also has the meaning of a clear boundary line. Taking off your shoes isn't just for hygiene reasons; the entrance also serves as a barrier to keep the "dirt" from the outside world out of your home. Many entrances have a step called a ``shikidai.'' This physical step truly functions as a ``barrier'' that prevents dirt and invisible impurities from entering the house from outside.
The act of taking off one's shoes is also a ritual of shedding one's social armor and returning to one's true self. By arranging the shoes you took off beautifully, you are preparing your footsteps (past) and stepping into a beautiful future.
Cleaning (Souji)
The biggest reason why Japan is clean compared to other countries is its compulsory education system. Many schools in Japan do not have staff specialized in cleaning. From elementary school to high school, students clean classrooms, hallways, and restrooms with their own hands every day. This is part of a formal educational curriculum called "Cleaning Time." Behind this is the Zen philosophy of ``one cleaning, two devotions''. The teaching is that honing your place is synonymous with honing your mind. The cleanliness of public spaces is supported by a national culture that has taught people to view cleaning as part of their spiritual training, rather than as labor or punishment.
Hot spring (ONSEN)
Japan, a volcanic country, has had a culture of ``Toji'' since ancient times. This was a medical practice in which people stayed in hot spring areas for long periods of time and used the ingredients of the hot springs and geothermal heat to heal injuries and illnesses. Hot springs are masses of minerals and thermal energy that gush from within the earth. While misogi focuses on "purifying", hot springs focus on "filling". Getting naked, removing all social status and ornaments, and soaking in the hot water that is part of the earth. Isn't this the most primitive and effective regeneration system for humans to return to their original natural state?
