Daily Devotional Practice

(Translation of 「毎日の勤行」)

Purpose

Even if one approaches the divine with a pure heart during devotional practice, once immersed in daily life, ego-driven tendencies often derail us from living in alignment with the natural laws. Therefore, daily devotional practice serves to reset and refocus our intent.

Morning Devotion

This is a sacred time to revere and honor the Divine and the spirits (Mitama-sama). As the day begins, please engage in the practice with sincerity and mindfulness. Ideally, the whole family participates together, as the unseen spiritual forces invoked during home devotion foster harmony within the household.

If morning practice is not possible, it should be performed during daylight hours.

Offerings and Tools

• Amacha (Heavenly Offering Tea)

• Teacups

• A large bowl to hold the teacups

• A small ladle, such as a renge or miniature dipper

Note: “Amacha” is a sacred tea used in offerings. Please refer to the article on Amacha for more.

How to Serve Amacha

Place the teacups into the large bowl and fill it generously with Amacha. Using the renge, scoop the tea and pour it into the cups, letting it overflow gently. Repeat with heartfelt intent.

I. Greeting the Divine Beings

Bows – Two claps – Recitation while bowing:

“Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama, good morning.Thank you for your constant protection.As we begin this day, please guide us to live for the good of the world and for others.”

(Include your day's schedule or intentions in your greeting.)Two claps – Bow

II. Repentance to the Divine Beings

1. Greeting

Bows – Two claps – Recitation while bowing:

“Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama, together with the ancestral spirits from the time of the Great Ancestor, we humbly ask for your permission to offer this act of repentance and land purification, and to perform offerings to the spirits.”

Two claps – Bow

2. Inviting the Spirits

Bowing:

“Spirits of our ancestors from the Great Ancestor onward, please join us now, as we—your descendants—offer this repentance to the gods.Those who wish to be present, please come forth.”

(Wait several seconds, then address the gods again)

“Together with the spirits of our ancestors, we humbly request permission to carry out this act of repentance.”

Two claps – Bow

Serve Amacha about 20 times with prayers of apology and warmth.

3. Words of Thanks for Allowing the Repentance

Bows – Two claps – Recitation:

“Thank you, Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama, for allowing us to perform the repentance ceremony with our ancestral spirits.”

Two claps – Bow

III. Land Memorial Service

(Translation of 土地供養)

1. Greeting the Divine Beings

Bows – Two claps – Recitation while bowing:

“Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama,together with the ancestral spirits from the time of the Great Ancestor,we humbly request permission to offer our memorial and gratitude to the land that we have used and continue to use today.”

Two claps – Bow

2. Greeting the Spirits

Bowing:

“Dear spirits, the gods have granted us permission.Let us now offer our gratitude for the land passed down through the generations.We offer this land purification ceremony together.”

Serve Amacha with the spirits approximately 20 times.

3. Expression of Gratitude

Bows – Two claps – Recitation:

“Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama,thank you for allowing us to perform the land memorial ceremony together with our ancestral spirits.”

Two claps – Bow

IV. Amacha Offering to the Spirits

(Translation of 御霊様への天茶供養)

1. Greeting the Divine Beings

Bows – Two claps – Recitation while bowing:

“Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama,we now humbly request permission to offer Amacha to all ancestral spirits of the 〇〇 family and 〇〇 family from the time of the Great Ancestor,as well as all related and unrelated spirits, spirits residing in butterflies, beasts, insects, fish, trees, and grasses.”

Two claps – Bow

2. Calling the Spirits and Offering Amacha

Bowing:

“To all spirits who have been granted permission,please gather here.”

(Wait for a few seconds)

“Welcome, dear spirits.Thank you for coming.With the gods’ permission, please receive this Amacha offering with peace of mind.”

Serve Amacha about 20 times while speaking gently:

“May you be warmed… May you be well…”

3. Gratitude from the Spirits

Bows – Two claps – Recitation:

“Tenjin Chigi no Ōkami-sama, Goshugo no Ōkami-sama, Ujigami-sama, and all Yaoyorozu no Ōkami-sama,thank you for allowing us to perform the Amacha offering to the spirits of the 〇〇 family, the 〇〇 family,all ancestral spirits from the Great Ancestor, all related and unrelated spirits, and all spirits residing in butterflies, beasts, insects, fish, trees, and grasses.”

Two claps – Bow

4. Guiding the Spirits

Bowing:

“Dear spirits,please move forward without hesitation.Please proceed toward the Buddha or the Bodhisattvas.”

Bow deeply

Significance of Memorial Offerings

(Translation of 供養の意義)

To venerate the Buddha and honor the divine with true sincerity is the essence of kuyō (memorial offering).Through learning the teachings, practicing devotion, and guiding more people toward peace and happiness, the deeper form of go-kuyō (sacred memorial work) is fulfilled.

Shakyamuni Buddha taught the principle of impermanence (諸行無常):

“All phenomena that appear in this world are constantly changing and nothing remains unchanged.”

He also taught no-self (諸法無我):

“Nothing in this world exists in isolation; everything is interconnected and interdependent.”

In truth, no person or object exists independently. Everything exists in harmony through mutual support.

However, many people mistakenly believe they live entirely through their own power, losing sight of the true path by opposing this natural order.Such delusions give rise to suffering, confusion, and disconnection from spiritual truth.

We are indeed kept alive through the blessings of nature.To sustain this life, we inevitably sacrifice other life forms.

This is the reason we offer heartfelt gratitude and memorial offerings to all spirits of those lost lives—through compassion, reverence, and love.

Additional Guidance

• The above rituals are foundational, and can be adapted based on one’s role (e.g., husband, wife).

• Incorporate daily intentions, such as schedules, ceremonial occasions, or special reports into your greetings.

• Daily greetings take many forms, but the essential idea is to:

  • Give thanks for the divine protection you receive.

  • Pledge your sincere repayment for this gift through your actions.