Gohō Shugyō

🧘‍♂️ What is Gohō Shugyō (Five Methods of Spiritual Training)?

Gohō Shugyō is a sacred method of refining one’s soul within the divine realm, a process through which one can confirm with the deities whether karmic ties have been resolved and offerings have been received. Through this spiritual training, guidance is received from the kami (deities), and communication with selected spirits is enabled. Answers are given through physical signs, such as the raising or lowering of one's hand.

However, asking, “I want to know this,” or “I want to move forward,” is self-centered. According to the rules of the unseen world, the deities never assist in selfish (ego-driven) pursuits but will respond to selfless (altruistic) intentions.

Thus, Gohō Shugyō is not for asking personal questions but for purifying one’s soul. When one approaches with the sincere thought, “Thank you. May everyone be well,” proper spiritual responses can be received. Still, if a low-level spirit speaks falsely, the practitioner must elevate their soul to discern and purify such influence.

🛤️ Purpose: The Path to Complete Character Formation

By sitting in seiza before the divine, entering deep meditation, and communicating with spiritual beings—ancestral spirits and other entities—one becomes aware of the true nature of both the visible and invisible worlds. Through this, the practitioner reflects on the self, purifies their soul, strengthens their will, and walks the path toward a refined character.

• "Shugyō (修行)" means disciplining one’s own body and behavior—such as visiting shrines.

• "Shugyō (修業)" with the kanji for "業 (karmic actions)" focuses on transforming one's accumulated deeds—from bad habits to virtuous acts.

Humans unconsciously commit wrongful actions because we act from a mind already colored by inherited tendencies. Our character is shaped not only by our own choices but also by the accumulated karma of ancestors passed through genetics.

Hence, while we may believe our thoughts and choices are our own, much of what we carry is determined by ancestral karma. Gohō Shugyō enables spiritual resonance with ancestral spirits, which appears as spirit movement (reidō) using the practitioner’s body or voice to express unresolved pain or anger.

Through diligent training and offerings of amacha (sweet hydrangea tea), spirits are soothed, guided toward moral understanding, and the practitioner returns to a heart of peace. This practice uniquely enables the practitioner to resolve deeply rooted karmic burdens.

Supplement: The True Nature of the Gohō (Five Methods)

The Gohō is a sacred treasure, a sort of “permit” that allows for spiritual communication with the kami (deities).

Even without the physical form of the Gohō, one should be able to establish spiritual pathways (reidō) through spiritual practice, because it is something originally granted from the invisible world. When a practitioner becomes more spiritually attuned, they may begin to feel sensations such as warmth in their hands or receive clear impressions.

Creating even one Gohō can take immense effort—such as a 10-day pilgrimage into the Northern Alps—making it an extraordinarily rare and precious object.

When in Doubt

For example, if a family member becomes ill, one may use the Gohō Shugyō to ask:“Is this merely a physical condition, or is it a spiritual message?”Because this is an act of seeking divine guidance, following the direction received should lead to the proper resolution.

When confused or emotionally overwhelmed, it is perfectly acceptable to approach your ujigami (ancestral kami) or home altar to perform Gohō Shugyō and ask:“I am holding onto feelings of frustration or regret. May I return to a state of inner clarity?”

You may also offer prayers saying:“I wish to wash away the emotional residue accumulated throughout the day.”

This practice becomes a vital source of strength for living each day fully.However, be sure to always express gratitude at the end of your Shugyō.

Additional Notes

Before performing Gohō Shugyō, it is essential to write down what you wish to ask and how you plan to ask it (such as the positioning: above, in front, or below).

There is a spiritual channel located in the chest known as the “reidōkan” (spiritual path conduit). If it is not used, it may become corroded or blocked. Therefore, daily purification of the heart is necessary to maintain a clear reidōkan for effective Shugyō.

Since low-level spirits (teikyūrei) may sometimes interfere and provide misleading answers, practitioners must continuously work to elevate their soul’s spiritual level.

Because Gohō Shugyō is a sacred rite, one must rinse the mouth and wash the hands before beginning.

Gohō Shugyō and the Gohō Signal System

Positioning of Spirit Communications and Response Interpretation

Spirits indicate their presence and intent through the position in which they manifest during Gohō Shugyō. These positional cues correspond to the following areas on the practitioner's body or field of vision:

1. Kami-related spirits (above):Spirits related to guardian deities (e.g., ujigami).

   • If it is an ancestral spirit:

     • Purpose of appearance →

       • Gratitude: above

       • Request: front

       • Warning: forehead

     • To confirm whether:

       • Offerings, services, or supplications have been accepted: above or below

       • Guidance for daily life may follow.

   • If it is a non-ancestral soul: same as above.

   • If it is an unrelated spirit:

     • Check if it’s land-bound, unconnected, or otherwise—then proceed similarly to ancestral spirits.

2. Ancestral spirits (in front):

   • Confirm the purpose of descent:

     • Gratitude (above), Request (front), Warning (forehead), or General Notice

   • Confirm:

     • Whether they have received tenku-cha offerings: above or below

     • Whether apologies or soul petitions have been received: above or below

     • Guidance for living may also be provided

3. Living spirits (at chest level):

   • Confirm purpose

   • Determine whether they are suffering souls → why they suffer

   • Daily life guidance may follow

4. Other spirits (below):

   • Confirm purpose

   • Check if they are ancestral, or:

     • Land spirits

     • Spirits related to others

     • Animal spirits or livestock

   • Daily life guidance may follow

     
     

Other Important Verifications

• Are they enshrined properly?

  • Are they satisfied or dissatisfied with current veneration?

  • Daily greetings and gratitude are essential.

  • If there is no greeting, thanks, or offering, it may indicate disrespect, irreverence, or lack of virtue.

  • In such cases, a collective family apology and follow-up offerings may be required.

• Are they unconnected souls?

  • If so, confirm whether they are:

    • Venerated for material benefit only

    • Neglected in gratitude or acknowledgment

    • Subject to self-serving attitudes

    • Forgotten or dismissed without honor

    • Still awaiting resolution of spiritual petitions

      
      

The Five Wisdom Tathāgatas (Go-Chi Nyorai)

The Five Wisdom Tathāgatas are the supreme manifestations of enlightened Buddhas, representing the pinnacle of compassion and selflessness. They include:

• Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana)

• Ashuku Nyorai (Akṣobhya)

• Hōshō Nyorai (Ratnasambhava)

• Amida Nyorai (Amitābha)

• Shaka Nyorai (Śākyamuni)

These five embody ultimate purification and awareness, guiding spirits across generations—even tracing back to the primal ancestral origin. They hold parental-like authority surpassing even Kannon-sama and offer soul-cleansing power.

Gratitude to these deities is expressed in the heart:“Thank you, Five Wisdom Tathāgatas, for granting me life in this era and leading me to the unseen world.”

※ The figure known as Enma (King Yama) is often understood as a manifestation of a Tathāgata. His judgments are not solely based on individual conduct, but also upon ancestral lineage and karmic patterns.

The Physical Form of Gohō

The Gohō is a sacred object, comparable to a “passport” that permits communication with the kami (deities).

To create a single Gohō, one must undertake a 10-day mountain pilgrimage, such as climbing the Northern Alps. This makes it an extremely rare and precious item. However, because it is something granted from the unseen world, in essence, one can still connect to the spirit realm without physically possessing the Gohō—for example, by sensing heat in the hands or experiencing other spiritual perceptions.

When You Are in Doubt

For example, if a family member falls ill, you might ask during Gohō Shugyō:“Is this just a physical condition, or is it a spiritual message?”

Because this is a request for divine guidance, by following the instructions you receive, things are likely to move in a positive direction.

If you are uncertain, you may visit your ujigami or use the Gohō at your kamidana (household altar). In times of frustration or confusion, you may perform Gohō Shugyō and say,“I’m sorry for having these thoughts. Can I return to a purified state of mind?”

You may also request to have the spiritual impurities of the day washed away. This process becomes the driving force to live each day fully.

However, be sure to express your gratitude.

Additional Notes

• Before performing Gohō Shugyō, prepare in advance:Write down what you wish to ask, and decide how you will ask it (i.e., using the up / front / down hand-signal method).

• There is a spiritual channel in your chest (reidōkan). If you do not use it, it will become rusty and blocked.Therefore, regular spiritual purification is necessary to keep it clean.

• Since low-level spirits may lie, it is essential to elevate your soul’s level through daily refinement.

• As this is a sacred ritual, you must rinse your mouth and wash your hands beforehand.