Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers - How to Experience the Deep Spirituality of Shinto with 22 Ancient Prayers

Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers - A Review

Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Japanese spiritual tradition of Shinto? Do you want to experience the deep meaning and beauty of Shinto prayers, or norito, in both English and Japanese? If so, you might want to check out Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers by Ann Llewellyn Evans.

Shinto Norito : A Book Of Prayers Book Pdf

This book is the first of its kind to present a collection of 22 Shinto prayers in a format where English speaking readers can both understand the translated text and pronounce the original Japanese words. It also provides an explanation of the spiritual tradition and practice of Shinto, as well as a glossary, a guide to shrine etiquette, and other useful information for anyone who wants to explore Shinto further.

In this article, we will review Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers and answer some common questions about it. We will also show you how to use this book for your personal meditation and devotion, as well as where to get it online. Let's get started!

What is Shinto Norito?

Before we dive into the book itself, let's first understand what Shinto norito are and why they are important.

The meaning and origin of Shinto Norito

Norito (祝詞) literally means "words of blessing" or "words of celebration" in Japanese. They are sacred prayers or invocations that are recited by priests or worshippers at Shinto shrines or ceremonies. They are also sometimes called nori (祝) or noriuta (祝歌), meaning "blessing" or "blessing song".

Norito are believed to have originated from ancient times, when people expressed their gratitude and reverence to the kami (神), or divine spirits, that inhabit all things in nature. They also asked for their protection, guidance, and blessings for various occasions, such as harvests, festivals, births, weddings, funerals, etc.

Norito are based on the concept of kotodama (言霊), or "word spirit", which means that words have power and influence over reality. By reciting norito with sincerity and respect, one can communicate with the kami and align oneself with their will.

The types and categories of Shinto Norito

There are many types and categories of norito, depending on their purpose, occasion, style, content, etc. Some of the main ones are:

• Oharae (大祓), or "great purification", which are norito that are used to cleanse oneself or others from impurities, sins, misfortunes, etc.

• Misogi (禊), or "water purification", which are norito that are used to purify oneself or others by washing with water, usually at a river, waterfall, or sea.

• Shinsen (神饌), or "divine offering", which are norito that are used to offer food, drink, or other items to the kami as a sign of gratitude and respect.

• Kinen (祈念), or "prayer", which are norito that are used to pray for various wishes, such as health, happiness, prosperity, peace, etc.

• Tamagushi (玉串), or "jeweled branch", which are norito that are used to present a branch of sakaki (榊), a sacred evergreen tree, to the kami as a symbol of life and vitality.

• Shinkon (神婚), or "divine marriage", which are norito that are used to celebrate the union of two kami or two humans in marriage.

Some of these types of norito can be further divided into subcategories, such as:

• Shiharae (四祓), or "four purifications", which are four types of oharae that correspond to the four seasons and the four directions.

• Hifumi (一二三), or "one two three", which are three types of misogi that correspond to the three realms of heaven, earth, and man.

• Goshu no shinka (五種の神歌), or "five types of divine poems", which are five types of shinsen that correspond to the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

The purpose and function of Shinto Norito

The purpose and function of norito are to reinsert ourselves into a divine state of being, not as a new position, but as an acknowledgement and reinforcement of what already exists. Ritual restores sensitive awareness to our relationship to the universe. Through purification and removal of impurities and blockages, we return to our innate internal brightness and cultivate a demeanor of gratitude and joy.

Norito also serve as a way of expressing our respect and appreciation to the kami, who are the source of all life and blessings. By offering them our sincere words and actions, we show them our gratitude and devotion. We also ask for their protection, guidance, and favor for ourselves and others.

Norito also serve as a way of connecting with our ancestors, who are regarded as kami after death. By honoring them with our prayers and offerings, we show them our love and reverence. We also seek their wisdom and support for our lives.

What is Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers?

Now that we have a basic understanding of what Shinto norito are, let's take a look at the book that presents them in English and Japanese.

The author and background of the book

The author of Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers is Ann Llewellyn Evans. She is a Shinto priestess who has been practicing Shinto for over 20 years. She is also a founder and director of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, the first branch shrine of Tsubaki O Kami Yashiro in Japan. She has studied under Rev. Yukiyasu Yamamoto, the 96th generation Guji (chief priest) of Tsubaki O Kami Yashiro.

The book was published by Trafford Publishing in 2007. It is based on Evans' personal experience and research on Shinto norito. She has translated and transliterated 22 Shinto prayers from various sources, such as ancient texts, modern books, oral traditions, etc. She has also added her own commentary and explanation for each prayer.

The content and structure of the book

The book consists of 191 pages divided into 35 chapters. The chapters are:

• Shinto Norito

• Copyright

• Contents

• Foreword

• Introduction

• Prayer for Purification through Misogi

• Great Words of Purification

• Commitment of Life Devotion

• Articles of Faith

• Five Sacred Shinto Poems

, chinkon (鎮魂), or calming of the soul, and other aspects of Shinto ritual, where it explains how to perform these practices for purification and meditation. It also gives some instructions on how to prepare oneself, what to wear, what to chant, what to do, etc.

The examples and applications of Shinto Norito

The final feature of the book is that it provides examples and applications of Shinto norito. This is very helpful for anyone who wants to use the prayers for their own personal or communal purposes.

The book presents 22 Shinto norito, each with its own chapter. The chapters include the following information:

• The title and category of the norito

• The original Japanese text in kanji (Chinese characters) and kana (Japanese syllabary)

• The romanized pronunciation of the Japanese text

• The English translation of the Japanese text

• The commentary and explanation of the norito

• The tips and suggestions on how to use the norito

The 22 Shinto norito that are included in the book are:

• Prayer for Purification through Misogi (Misogi no ō harai)

• Great Words of Purification (Ōharahi no kotoba)

• Commitment of Life Devotion (Kei shin seikatsu no kōryō)

• Articles of Faith (Kei shin seikatsu no shinjō)

• Five Sacred Shinto Poems (Goshu no shinka)

• Words of Purification from Ten Sources (Tokusa no harae no kotoba)

• Hi Fu Mi Words of Purification (Hi fu mi no harae kotoba)

• Three Sources of Purification (Mikusa no ō harahi)

• Ten Great Treasures from the Kami (Tokusa no kandakara no o mina)

• Sacred Prayer (Shin paishi)

• Words of Praise (Tatae goto)

• The Practice for Purification of the Six Roots of Our Being (Rokkon shōjō no kingyō)

• Prayer of Inari (Inari norito)

• Special Prayer to Kami of Heaven and Earth (Tenshin chigi kinen norito)

• Words of Purification (Harae no kotoba)

• Unification of Heaven and Earth's Purity (Tenchi issai shōjō harai)

• Prayer for Complete Purification (Issai jōju no harai)

• Nine Character Practice (Chant for Protective Energy) (Kuji hō)

• Short Prayer (Ryaku haishi)

• Daily Prayer (Nippaishi)

• Short Daily Prayer (Ryaku nippaishi)

• Kamidana Prayer (Kamidana haishi)

The book also provides some examples of how to use these norito for various occasions, such as:

• New Year's Day

• Setsubun

• Hinamatsuri

• Hanami

• Tanabata

• O-bon

• O-higan

• O-shogatsu

The book also provides some applications of how to use these norito for various purposes, such as:

• Purifying oneself or one's environment

• Offering gratitude or respect to the kami or one's ancestors

• Celebrating festivals or ceremonies

• Presenting offerings or gifts to the kami or one's ancestors

• Meditating or calming one's mind

• Protecting oneself or others from harm or evil

• Enhancing one's spiritual connection or awareness

Where to get Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers?

If you are interested in getting a copy of Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers, you have several options to choose from.

The availability and price of the book

The book is available in both paperback and ebook formats. You can order it online from various platforms, such as:

• Amazon

• Barnes & Noble

• Trafford Publishing

• Google Books

• Goodreads

The price of the book may vary depending on the platform, the format, the shipping, etc. However, as of June 2023, the average price of the book is:

Format

Price

Paperback

$14.99

Ebook

$3.99

The alternatives and comparisons of the book

If you are looking for other books that are similar to Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers, you might want to check out these alternatives:

• Norito: A Translation of the Ancient Japanese Ritual Prayers by Donald L. Philippi. This book is a scholarly translation and annotation of 27 Shinto norito from the Engishiki (延喜式), a 10th century collection of laws and rituals. It also includes an introduction and a glossary.

• The Essence of Shinto: Japan's Spiritual Heart by Motohisa Yamakage. This book is an introduction and explanation of the core principles and practices of Shinto, written by a Shinto master. It also includes some examples of Shinto prayers and rituals.

• A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine by John K. Nelson. This book is an ethnographic study and description of the daily activities and ceremonies of a Shinto shrine in Tokyo. It also includes some photographs and illustrations.

Here is a table that compares some features and benefits of these books with Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers:

Book

Author

Publisher

Date

Pages

Format(s)

Price(s)

Features/Benefits

Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers

Ann Llewellyn Evans

Trafford Publishing

2007

191

$14.99, $3.99

- The first book to present Shinto norito in both English and Japanese, with romanized pronunciation and translation.- A collection of 22 Shinto norito from various sources, with commentary and explanation.- A guide to the spiritual tradition and practice of Shinto, with a glossary, a guide to shrine etiquette, and other useful information.

Norito: A Translation of the Ancient Japanese Ritual Prayers

Donald L. Philippi

Princeton University Press

1990

296

Paperback

$39.95

- A scholarly translation and annotation of 27 Shinto norito from the Engishiki, a 10th century collection of laws and rituals.- An introduction and a glossary of Shinto terms and concepts.- A valuable resource for students and researchers of Japanese religion and culture.

The Essence of Shinto: Japan's Spiritual Heart

Motohisa Yamakage

Kodansha International

2006

256

Hardcover, Paperback

$29.95, $19.95

- An introduction and explanation of the core principles and practices of Shinto, written by a Shinto master.- Some examples of Shinto prayers and rituals.- A personal and accessible account of Shinto's spiritual heart.

A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine

John K. Nelson

University of Washington Press

1996

232

Paperback

$25.00

- An ethnographic study and description of the daily activities and ceremonies of a Shinto shrine in Tokyo.- Some photographs and illustrations of the shrine and its events.- A vivid and insightful portrayal of Shinto's living tradition.

The testimonials and reviews of the book

If you are still not convinced that Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers is worth getting, you might want to read some testimonials and reviews from other readers who have enjoyed the book. Here are some examples:

"This book is a treasure for anyone interested in Shinto or Japanese culture. The prayers are beautiful and profound, and the author explains them very well. I also learned a lot about Shinto's history, philosophy, and practice from this book. I highly recommend it!" - Lisa M.

"I have been practicing Shinto for a few years now, and this book has been very helpful for me. It has taught me how to pronounce and recite the prayers correctly, as well as how to use them for various purposes. It has also deepened my understanding and appreciation of Shinto's spirituality and wisdom. This book is a must-have for any Shinto practitioner or enthusiast." - David S.

"This book is a wonderful introduction to Shinto norito. The author has done a great job of translating and explaining the prayers in a clear and simple way. The book also provides a lot of useful information on Shinto's background, rituals, etiquette, etc. I enjoyed reading this book very much and I think anyone who is curious about Shinto will too." - Sarah K.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers is a unique and valuable book that presents a collection of ancient Japanese Shinto prayers in both English and Japanese. It also provides an explanation of the spiritual tradition and practice of Shinto, as well as a guide to using the prayers for personal meditation and devotion.

This book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about Shinto or Japanese culture, as well as for anyone who wants to experience the deep meaning and beauty of Shinto prayers. It is written in a conversational style, with an informal tone, personal pronouns, simple language, engaging questions, and analogies and metaphors.

If you are interested in getting a copy of this book, you can order it online from various platforms, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Trafford Publishing, Google Books, or Goodreads. You can also check out other books that are similar to this one, such as Norito: A Translation of the Ancient Japanese Ritual Prayers, The Essence of Shinto: Japan's Spiritual Heart, or A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine.

We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers:

Q: What is Shinto?

• A: Shinto is an ancient spiritual tradition, primarily practiced in Japan, that focuses on the divinity of all beings and of all creation, on living with gratitude and humility, and on purification and lustration of one's self and environment.

Q: What is norito?

• A: Norito are sacred prayers or invocations that are recited by priests or worshippers at Shinto shrines or ceremonies. They are based on the concept of kotodama, or word spirit, which means that words have power and influence over reality.

Q: What is Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers?

• A: Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers is a book by Ann Llewellyn Evans that presents a collection of 22 Shinto prayers in both English and Japanese, with romanized pronunciation and translation. It also provides an explanation of the spiritual tradition and practice of Shinto, as well as a guide to using the prayers for personal meditation and devotion.

Q: How can I use Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers?

• A: You can use Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers for your own benefit by reciting the prayers in their original language or in English, by understanding their meaning and nuance, by following the etiquette and practice of Shinto norito, and by applying them for various occasions and purposes.

Q: Where can I get Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers?

• A: You can get Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers online from various platforms, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Trafford Publishing, Google Books, or Goodreads. You can also check out other books that are similar to this one, such as Norito: A Translation of the Ancient Japanese Ritual Prayers, The Essence of Shinto: Japan's Spiritual Heart, or A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine.

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