Shihō Hairei,Shihaku-shu

Shihō Hairei – Four-Directional Worship

Shihō Hairei is the act of offering reverence in all four cardinal directions—east, west, south, and north.It signifies respect and acknowledgment for all directions of the universe, including the divine spirits and ancestral presences that reside beyond our visible perception.

Four Claps (Shihaku-shu)

Although the term suggests four claps, in practice two claps are performed, which symbolize “Heaven and Earth.”

Clapping with Meaning

When clapping (kashiwade), it is customary to raise the left hand slightly higher than the right.This subtle gesture carries a profound meaning:

“The ancestors come first.”

It reflects the spiritual principle of placing ancestral presence and gratitude before oneself in the sacred act of worship.