December 16, 2023[Greeting] Ujigami Deities of Takine Town

Ritual at Sugaya Shrine

Miko (Shrine Maiden):

"Deity of Sugaya Shrine, thank you always for protecting this land. And thank you for allowing us to use this sacred ground—thanks to your divine support, Mikochan Shokudō was able to start its activities here in September of this year. With the generous help we have received, we’ve been able to carry on up to this point, and now this year is drawing to a close.

This may be the final time I offer my greeting here in person, but today I have come accompanied by this group, as well as by many wandering spirits. In order to carry the mission of Mikochan Shokudō into the future, we are here not only to use this land but also to untangle the threads of karmic cause and effect. That is what has brought us to this moment.

Including our vows made this year and the paths that lie ahead, I hope that Mikochan Shokudō will continue to welcome more companions, and that many spirits will be guided into the world of learning through this land. And now, to the deity of Sugaya and all the gathered gods, from this point forward we shall begin our visits to four guardian shrines. Please walk with us."

Deity:

"Thank you for your greeting. Good morning. The time of culmination is upon us. Promises made with the divine must not be broken. No matter what happens, your existence is sustained within the realm of the divine. You are here now because of such a covenant. The time limit is the 20th day.

Until then, everyone must exert themselves and break a sweat to fulfill what remains unfinished. Today, through this land, you are to visit four guardian shrines. Deities from surrounding regions have gathered here. Understood?

Moreover, deities from around the world—even from the cosmos—have come together. You must proceed not with short-sighted vision, but with the perspective of connecting the future. This includes the intent to walk together with the divine.

You are not merely performing divine rituals. You are here to connect sacred vows into the future. Each of you must fulfill your role and responsibility. With that intention, carry out this gyou through this land today. Is that clear?

Very well. Let us receive your intentions. Begin."

Miko:

"Yes, thank you. Please accept these intentions as a bridge to the future. These are the feelings of all of us in the physical world, together with all the spirits."

Confession Sutra and the Heart Sutra (recited)

Miko:

"To all the deities gathered from around the world—including those of the great cosmos and the meteor spirits—and to all the spirits gathered here, I offer our sincere apologies. We are truly sorry.

While we have been allowed to use this land and these sacred sites of the gods, it is true that we, in our immaturity, have still harbored conflict in our hearts. Yet, it is also true that now we are all striving to fulfill this mission with sincerity.

There may still be shortcomings. However, the many companions and spirits here are all trying their utmost to move forward single-mindedly. We are devoted to the path of compassion—thinking of others.

Divine beings, please take this intention of ours. Correct what is lacking, and help us connect to the future. Let us continue to fulfill our roles and responsibilities. Please allow it.

It is only because of your teachings that we’ve been able to come this far. Please let these teachings become part of the wisdom of this planet, Earth. We humbly ask this. Thank you."

Deity:

"Thank you. We have received your intentions. We also witnessed your resolve. Most of you are firmly facing forward.

Of course, the many prostrated spirits have also turned their hearts forward. Their thoughts of remorse were received as 100% pure. Through us, the gods of Sugaya, we shall continue steadfastly on this path.

Now that the cosmic realm and the meteor spirits are involved, there is no longer any path other than the white circle (pure intent). Those who lack compassion for others will not be permitted entry.

This remains unchanged even after the structure to be completed by the 20th. All who come and go must act only through thoughts of others. Is that understood? Never forget this.

Let us continue together to build the future. I am deeply pleased to have confirmed your intentions today. What is still lacking, we shall continue to address through the practice of the Five Dharma Trainings (Gohō Shugyō).

We look forward to your continued devotion."

Miko:

"Deity of Sugaya, and all the gathered gods, thank you very much. We are truly grateful that you received our heartfelt intentions.

We will continue to devote ourselves ever more diligently, accepting each divine message as it is, and moving forward accordingly. Thank you so much.

As for the sacred Amacha (sweet hydrangea tea)tea that was offered—may we leave one pair here? I would also like to use the remaining pair as an offering for the land. Thank you once again."

Ritual at Hachiman Shrine

Miko (Shrine Maiden):

"Guardian deity of Hachiman Shrine, thank you always for protecting this land and for allowing us to use it. New shrine parishioners (ujiko) have joined us, and the number of companions is steadily growing. I am truly grateful for these new connections.

Today, through Takine, we have reached this place, and each of the guardian deities of the four shrines is now in motion. For me personally, today will be my final greeting to my ujigami (ancestral shrine deity). I am deeply grateful for all the tremendous support and guidance I’ve received throughout this past year.

As we approach the deadline on the 20th, I wish to carry through with all of our vows and move forward with a sense of completion. While we’ve had our shortcomings, our intentions have now brought us this far.

Everything we have is thanks to you. I offer my heartfelt gratitude for guiding us to this moment and giving us the opportunity to progress. Thank you very much."

Deity:

"I am grateful for your greeting at our feet. It brings joy to see the number of parishioners growing. This means that more people are beginning to learn and understand the unseen world that you speak of.

Although many people visit shrines, most do not comprehend their true meaning. That there are now those who do is something to be celebrated.

The time given to guide more spirits still remains. Each of you must do your utmost to fulfill your roles.

And so many deities have gathered today. With even the gods of the cosmic realm and meteor cluster present—as the Sugaya deity stated earlier—this is no longer merely a matter of human perspective.

Take this to heart: things cannot be decided solely by human judgment. Everything exists within the realm of the divine. When the divine moves together with you, when the meteor cluster joins as well, the path forward is one that must be recognized by the divine—nothing else will be accepted. Do you understand?

That said, if you live a life aligned with this path, your bodies will be protected. We will also grant you opportunities to unravel the thoughts of your ancestors.

This is something you must truly take to heart: live according to divine guidance, not human judgment. This is a promise. Anything else will not be accepted. Those who violate it will face divine correction.

The presence of the meteor cluster means that this planet is now under divine protection. Understood?

Now then, as this is your final ritual for the year, we will receive your intentions. Please begin."

Miko:

"Yes, thank you. We will honor our promises. We will proceed not with human-centered judgment, but together with the divine.

And to all the spirits who prostrate themselves here, we in the present world are truly sorry and remain deeply repentant. Please forgive us."

Confession Sutra and the Heart Sutra (recited)

Miko:

"To all the spirits who have bowed their heads, along with those of us in the present world, we offer our deepest apologies.

Though we have defiled this land, we are filled with gratitude for being allowed to continue and for the environment we have been given. To be able to move forward with the guidance of the divine—there is no greater joy.

Because we are striving to connect to the future, because we walk with the divine, this planet Earth has been protected. That we may return here even through reincarnation is nothing short of a blessing.

To build this future together, we will continue forward. Within the environment we have been granted, we will proceed. Should we err, we will correct ourselves and move forward in the right direction.

As practitioners of the Five Dharma Trainings, we seek your continued guidance. Thank you again for receiving our intentions."

Deity:

"Thank you. Your intentions have been received. We shall continue together on this path.

Know this: no one else on this planet walks with so many gods as you do. Therefore, let us move forward together on the righteous path to connect the future. You have done well."

Miko:

"Thank you very much. We have offered many cups of sacred amacha (sweet hydrangea tea), but may we leave just one pair here?

Please drink of it, and may the spirits receive the remainder. May the spirits be warmed and guided into the world of learning.

We offer this with heartfelt intent. The rest will be used for land purification. May this land be restored to its original sacred state.

Through this land, may the future be connected. May it become a planet of mutual compassion.

I place my full intention in this. Thank you very much—truly, thank you."

Ritual at Suwa Shrine

Miko (Shrine Maiden):To the guardian deity of Suwa Shrine, I have stepped into your sacred grounds. I also offer my deep gratitude to the many deities who have gathered here today. Though the final date of this year has not yet arrived, for me, Ishihara, this will be my last visit of the year. This is my final greeting for this year. Reflecting on all the thoughts and support I have received throughout the year, I can only express my deepest appreciation. Truly, thank you.As I continue to strive toward connecting the future, I also hope to expand the fields of sweet hydrangeas using the Yoshida family’s land. Thank you for granting us this rich natural environment and for allowing us to cultivate within the sacred domain of the gods. I offer you my sincere gratitude.

Deity:You have come to our sacred ground and offered your final greeting of the year. I am filled with joy for how many souls you have guided and helped elevate here. However, the number of shrine parishioners is still insufficient. All of them are still in the midst of their learning. This is likely true of all parishioners.Still, you have received teachings, led others, and shared the unraveling of karmic ties. How much effort and thought you have offered—this is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. I am truly grateful.As we move forward, I ask that you prepare to pass down these teachings to many more.Each individual must learn and strive in their own way. And now, with so many deities gathered and the cosmic realm and meteor deities also participating, the direction of this planet has been decided: it shall be protected.The fact that gods from beyond Earth and the divine meteor realms have joined us means that only actions born from thinking of others—only those done with a pure heart—shall be allowed to proceed. This is the only truth. All other paths are unacceptable.As each guardian deity has said, let it be engraved in your heart: do not act by human judgment. Everything must follow the divine will.From now on, since you have involved yourselves in this, and made a promise, and chosen to walk with the gods—nothing outside that path will be accepted. Those who stray will be punished. This is the promise.To protect this planet means precisely this. You who have carried out this work must continue walking with the gods. If you receive a sign, it means your heart or actions are in error. Do not forget that.Now, may you continue to make efforts to inherit the future alongside the gods. This course will not change. We will continue to guide you. Thank you.

Miko:Thank you, Suwa deity. Receiving your words, we, along with the many spirits who bow here, shall strive with renewed dedication.As this planet has now been protected, we shall surely strive to return to the spirit realm.The Amacha (sweet hydrangea tea)we presented today—may we leave one set in the main sanctuary, and use the remaining ones for land purification.Through this land, may the future be connected as a planet of mutual care.May all wandering souls be warmed and guided into the world of learning. I offer this with heartfelt sincerity. Thank you very much.

Practice at Usa Shrine

Miko (Shrine Maiden):We humbly step into the sacred grounds of Usa Shrine. This Enjou-kai (Gathering of Sacred Bonds) began with a request from the deity of Usa, asking us to nurture the younger generation. It is structured around the timeline of March 20 and December 20 over the course of three years. Alongside some companions in the present world and many spirits, we have pressed forward through various trials to finally arrive at this moment. It is only through the thoughts and blessings we’ve received that we have made it here. It is indeed thanks to the cooperation among the deities that we’ve come this far. Although the system we are building is not yet complete, we have been rude along the way and shown shameful behavior. Still, we will never forget the grace granted by the deities.

Through the support of this land and the shrine parishioners, we have been able to grow much of our crops for the Yarou no Kai (Men’s Assembly). Especially in the latter half, we received an abundant harvest. Though mistakes have been made, we aim to complete the system in the remaining short time.

While this is still a work in progress, today marks my final visit to this shrine. Thank you so much for the past three years and for everything this year. It is truly thanks to my companions in this world—those who have walked with earnest hearts—that we have come this far. It is also because of the many ancestral spirits who bow here with us. I can only express my deepest gratitude. Thank you.

Deity:You have come to greet us at our feet, sharing your intentions, and your reflections on these past three years and this year. I am pleased. Ishihara, you will return once more this year, won’t you?

Miko:Yes, you’re right. It seems there will be one more occasion. Thank you.

Deity:We entrust this to you. The youth cannot yet stand on their own. Each of them is still immature—still lacking as humans, despite having the will. It is because of your "elder team" that you’ve managed to carry this forward. If you turn your back on them now, all will fall apart. But the structure you are building must continue—it is meant to last 16,000 years. You are still in the middle of its creation.

So tighten your resolve. Show greater compassion in your actions and relationships. We are watching to the very end. With the deadline set as the 20th, each one of you must discipline yourself and fulfill your role.

Human beings are inherently imperfect. Completion is a concept humans never reach. However, promises must be kept. Once a date is set, devote yourself to it fully with all your heart. Run toward the thought of caring for others. That is what it means to make and keep a promise.

The system is not yet complete. Keep your hearts focused in the remaining days. Understand how precious this time of involvement is. Know how much your ancestors wish for it. If you truly understand, then finish what you’ve promised this year with all your strength.

We intend to speak again on the final day. Onodera will likely come. The message will be passed to him.

To the parishioners—each of you has shown shameful sides. But we now see you facing forward. Since the gods of the meteor cluster have arrived, it is not only the parishioners who are under divine watch. If anyone harbors false intentions or takes wrongful actions, a divine warning will be issued.

Understand this well. However the message is delivered, take it as guidance to correct yourself. If you can sincerely apologize and amend your ways, your body will be restored. If not, consequences will be dealt accordingly. All must remember this.

As companions, continue to make the most of what has been given to you. Sweat with the tools entrusted to you. The creation of the system is not the end. It must be followed by a way of life and progress aligned with it.

Now, as we approach the 20th, all of you must give your full commitment. There should be no greater joy than this. Let us see the rest unfold.

Many deities have already gathered here today. Are you ready to give directions?

Of course, the Kannon have also arrived in large numbers. We await your instructions.

Miko:Thank you. There are four pairs of amacha (sweet hydrangea tea) offerings placed on a lowered tier, and five more pairs slightly lower. May the spirits gather before them.

Kannon (Bodhisattva):We accept the role given to us. Please guide all these spirits.

Miko:We will humbly fulfill our duty. To all gathered spirits—there are four and five pairs of amacha. Please drink fully. May you receive this offering made on the planet Earth.

(Recitation of the Heart Sutra)

Miko:Now, let us all give our thanks together—Shihou Hairei (reverent bow in four directions), four claps. To all spirits, and to the gods and Kannon, thank you very much.

Deity:Spirits—you have heard, haven’t you? You lived. And because you lived, you must now learn as spirits. To walk the path you are meant to follow as spirits, you must study. This guidance comes from those in the present world and is offered as a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Understand? Then, to those in the present world—we leave it to you.

Miko:We accept the role. Kannon, Daibutsu (Great Buddha), the Five Wisdom Tathagatas, Gedatsu Kongou, and the Lonely Kannon—we ask for your guidance in receiving these spirits.

The Kannon:We accept the role. We will guide all the gathered spirits. Come, all of you.

Miko:Please move forward. Everyone, proceed. Gods and Kannon, thank you for your support. Truly, thank you.

As for the amacha we offered, we ask to leave one pair here. May the gods partake of it, and may the spirits receive the blessings of what remains. May they be warmed and move forward into the world of learning. I place my thoughts with this offering. The rest will be used for land purification. May this land return to its sacred state. May it be a place that connects to the future—a planet of compassion. With these thoughts, I conclude. Thank you very much.

Spiritual Ritual at Manpuku-ji Temple

Miko (Shrine Maiden):Kannon-sama of Tōdōzan, thank you for allowing me to enter this sacred ground. I am deeply grateful for being made aware of the spiritual significance of this land. And I must sincerely apologize for the past.

Kannon-sama:“Thank you for coming to our sacred ground. Countless lives were lost here, and yet how many truly came to place their hands together in prayer? This is not a matter of friend or foe—many souls have wandered in this place. I called you here because I wished for these souls to be guided. I am truly glad you have come. Many other Kannon figures have also gathered here today. Please proceed with your role with that spirit in your heart.”

Miko:Yes. To all the Kannon deities gathered here today, I offer my heartfelt apologies for having passed through this place while pushing our own agendas without fulfilling our duty. I am grateful that so many wandering spirits were able to witness us, despite our shortcomings. From this point forward, even if only little by little, I hope we can fulfill our duty in offering proper rites to these spirits. Please first allow me to express our apologies. To all the wandering souls, together with our companions and the many spirits who have bowed their heads here, I humbly offer my deep apologies. I am truly sorry.

[Recitation of the Confession Verse and the Heart Sutra]

Miko:To all the spirits gathered here through the presence of the gods, and to Kannon-sama—thank you for watching over so many wandering souls and ensuring they do not become malevolent spirits. I can offer nothing but deep gratitude. I apologize for taking so long to realize the conflict that has plagued this land and how many are still wandering because of it. I am truly sorry. Please, may all these souls find warmth and progress into the world of learning. Today, the gods are also present. With their support, please allow us to assist in elevating these souls from this very location. It is because of your invitation, Kannon-sama, that we are able to be here now. I am deeply grateful. Without your call, we may never have stepped into this place. Please forgive our past disrespect. Today, I will assist in guiding all these spirits upward. Thank you very much.

Kannon-sama:“Thank you. To offer soul elevation is the greatest joy we could hope for. Please proceed.”

Miko:Excuse me, we have seven pairs of amacha (sweet hydrangea leaf tea) placed in a row here. May I ask for your assistance in having the spirits gather before them?

Kami (Divine Voice):“Thank you. I will carry here all the souls who are ready to move. Please do so. Many have gathered today due to the heartfelt intent of the Kannon as well. We ask for your guidance.”

Miko:Thank you. To all the spirits gathered, these are offerings of amacha. Please drink freely. May you all find warmth. Please accept this offering as a rite from this planet Earth.

[Recitation of the Heart Sutra]

Miko:Now, let us all give thanks together. Bow to the four directions. Clap four times.To all the Kannon deities who gathered and to the gods who watched over us—thank you very much for allowing us to fulfill our duty to the spirits in this sacred space.

Kami:“Spirits, this is a blessing, isn’t it? You heard everything, did you not? That you once lived. And because you lived, you must now learn as spirits. To walk the proper path as a spirit, you must pursue learning. This is your single chance. You will be guided by those in the living world. Now, those in the living world—please, I leave it to you.”

Miko:I shall fulfill this role. Kannon-sama, Daibutsu-sama, the Five Wisdom Tathagatas, Gedatsu Kongō-sama, and all Unenlightened Kannon, please guide and receive them.

The Kannon figures:“We accept this task. We will guide all the gathered spirits. Come now, all of you.”

Miko:Please proceed. Let all spirits move forward.To the gods and Kannon who supported us—thank you.

Regarding the amacha we offered: may we leave one pair here? May the gods drink from it, and may the remaining tea be shared with the spirits. May it warm them and help them step into the world of learning. I offer this with heartfelt sincerity.There was also a pair to be offered to the Rokkizō statues further down. Please accept that as well.As for the rest, may they all be used as a land purification offering. May this place return to its sacred origin. May it become a place that connects the future—a planet where people care for one another. I offer this from the depths of my heart. Thank you very much.

*Spirits are aware of their own spiritual standing.

Out of reverence, they cannot partake of the amacha (sweet hydrangea leaf tea) offered at the higher position meant for the Kami.

That is why the offering is placed at a lower position—for the spirits to receive it with humility.