livingwithkami

[livingwithkami]

Notice from Shusse Inari Shrine of America! EARTH DAY SHINTO CEREMONY LIVESTREAM on Monday April 22nd, 2024 at 7:00pm (19:00) PDT! YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/pNBrPLa6WsM?si=8foclAbHzUbIpchf Please come join if you are able to!

[livingwithkami]

Happy Spring Equinox!

Today is the Spring Grand Ancestor Ceremony

春季霊大祭

We completed all the offerings, now time for the ceremony soon!🌸🌻

[livingwithkami]

Today is our Spring Grand Mitama (Ancestor) Ceremony at the shrine 🌸 It is also the Spring Equinox, which is the traditional time of year to do the gravesite visit (the other time is the Autumn Equinox) so in the morning we do a gravesite visit to clean, pray, and give offerings. 🙏🏼

[livingwithkami]

Shinto shrine in Thailand

Thanks to a friend of mine, I learned the existence of this beautiful shrine in Thailand. Please take a look if you are interested!

[livingwithkami]

Tanabata at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu🕊🌌⛩🎋

[livingwithkami]

It seems I got a blessing and was able to change my personal account to livingwithkami!

So, please know my Discord usernames are:

@livingwithkami

(personal account)

&

@wayofkamiandpeople

(admin account for management purposes)

I don't go by any other usernames on Discord.

And, I am only active on "Shinto : Way of Kami and People" Discord.

Thank you again!

New Discord usernames

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you all know I secured the username "livingwithkami." (period at the end) for Discord, and I am currently using the username livingwithkami#0767 at the moment waiting for the prompt to come up to change the username on my new account. It seems like someone took the username "livingwithkami" before I could, so if there's that username, please know it's not me. I am also only active on the "Shinto: Way of Kami and People" Discord, joinable here: https://discord.gg/HutQUwdE and nowhere else. All of my official accounts can be seen at my carrd: https://livingwithkami.carrd.co/ Thank you!

[livingwithkami]

New Discord usernames

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you all know I secured the username "livingwithkami." (period at the end) for Discord, and I am currently using the username livingwithkami#0767 at the moment waiting for the prompt to come up to change the username on my new account. It seems like someone took the username "livingwithkami" before I could, so if there's that username, please know it's not me. I am also only active on the "Shinto: Way of Kami and People" Discord, joinable here: https://discord.gg/HutQUwdE and nowhere else. All of my official accounts can be seen at my carrd: https://livingwithkami.carrd.co/ Thank you!

[livingwithkami]

A few days ago, a worshipper offered a bounty of vegetables from a local farm. I tried to offer as much as I could on the offering tray for our monthly ceremony today. We were very grateful for their sincere offering. 🥔🥕🧅🍅🥒 Thanks to Kami-sama for the bountiful harvest! 🌌🙏🏼

[livingwithkami]

On April 24th, I offered red roses to Kami-sama for a little belated St George's day (it is cultural for me being part Italian). 🌹 Now, 3 weeks later, there's a lovely little red rose "bouquet" growing in front of the shrine. In everything you offer to Kami-sama in gratitude, Kami-sama will give back as well. 🙏🏻It is Aiyo kakeyo (interdependence)🌹

[livingwithkami]

The shrine felt peaceful today

[livingwithkami]

Shinto Beginner Guide Version 5.8.2023

Hi everyone,

My apologies for the constant re-posting of this guide. There is always some errors I miss when I release a new version and I'm very thankful to those who help me edit and refine the guide over time.

This is the most recent version as of May 8th 2023. Instead of a zip file, I've compiled it all in a single PDF you can download Here

In addition, this time I've also made a convenient online version from this link: www.livingwithkami.com/beginner For a practical reference, there is a list of shrines overseas, where to receive sacred items, a reading list, and a list of Norito as well.

I hope this can help our community and be an accessible resource.

I give my deep thanks to Kami-sama and everyone who helped me write and edit this guide, who contributed towards it, and who guided me through the years.

This guide was not written by myself alone but with the help of Kami-sama and the community.

I am only posting it here to begin with but please feel free to share it anywhere you like.

I may have to update it again this Autumn depending on the changes in the community, but this is the most recent version.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Rev. Olivia

[livingwithkami]

Where to recieve Juyohin (sacred items for home worship) overseas

It can be difficult for practitioners of Shinto who live far from a shrine, especially when unable to recieve the sacred items used for home worship. Fortunately there are shrines overseas that can support and so I have compiled a list below. If you know of any other shrines, please contact me at livingwithkami@gmail.com

(Total 6 shrines) as of May 5th, 2023:

Hilo Daijingu: 

 https://hilodaijingu.amebaownd.com/pages/215923/page_201511290156 

Kamunabi Ban'yu Ko Shinto Shrine:

 https://www.atelierkanawa.com/amulets 

Shusse Inari Shrine of America:

 https://shintoinari.org/shinto-items/ 

Daijingu Temple of Hawaii (USA Only):

https://daijingutemple.org/product-category-omamori/omamori/

Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha (USA Only):

http://www.e-shrine.org/omamori.html

Izumo Taishakyo of Hawaii (USA Only):

https://www.izumotaishahawaii.com/order

–

Konko Faith related: To learn how to worship at home for Konko Faith, please contact Konkokyo International Center at kic@konkokyo.or.jp, or you may contact me directly at livingwithkami@gmail.com

–

 Additional Resources:

–

Shingyo Zan Kosenji (For Buddhist worship): 

https://kosen-ji.org/shop-%26-resources/ols/categories/476bblu84k

Gasshodo:

 https://gasshodo.com/product-category/omamori-ofuda/

This site is connected to a Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple. It is maintained by a layperson volunteer. It is a good resource for acquiring legitimate items for Shinbutsu-related worship - Ofuda, Omamori, Altar tools, including an inexpensive Ofuda stand, and even Engimono like Ema. However, most of these items will need to be used in the proper Buddhist context – it is best to email to ask

Shrine Space:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/shrinespace/?etsrc=sdt

This is primarily a shop of handmade altar items, but there are also Juyohin available as the owner is an ordained Zen Buddhist priest.

[livingwithkami]

Information regarding the closing of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America as per May 7th, 2023

Disclaimer #1: I am sharing this information for the English-speaking Shinto community online. This information was given to be by various parishioners of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America and I have been requested to share this information for informational purposes and to clear confusion around the situation. Disclaimer #2: I am acting as an individual when sharing this information, not as a priestess or representative of Konko Faith or my shrine Konkokyo Yokosuka Shrine.  I have also not been a member of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America since 2014-2015 though I have a connection as friends of mine are parishioners.

Disclaimer #3: I am not aware of, nor can provide any details about the situation beyond this information, I am only passing along what I was informed and requested to make an announcement about.  

Should Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, or any members relating to the shrine and it's operations make any official announcement, please refer to that as the most recent and correct information. 

Disclaimer #4: The purpose of posting this is not for commentary or reflections of my personal views, but solely for informational purposes. 

With that being said, this is what I was informed of:

"1. Rev. Barrish is suffering from a health condition that prevents him from continuing to oversee the running of the large shrine and it's large grounds as it's only priest.

 2.  Due to his health condition, a proposal was made by Rev. Barrish to the local board of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America (*not the board of Tsubaki Okami Yashiro in Japan*) that would have transitioned the shrine operations to a new priest. 

However, the proposal concluded with a vote to close down the shrine and sell the land. Because of this vote, the shrine will be officially closed on June 30th, 2023 and cease operations.

3. Rev. Barrish is not retiring, nor ceasing his work as a priest and he will begin a new shrine, completely independent of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America and Tsubaki Okami Yashiro, called Kannagara Chikyu Jinja,  in Kissimmee, Florida. It is a location 25 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and situated in the popular tourist destinations of the State with a variety of people. More information: https://earthshinto.org/"

That is the latest information I have.

I was not told the details of the proposal or vote, why it was voted to be closed, nor aware of Rev. Barrish's specific health condition. I also do not know why Kissimmee was chosen in particular. 

To know those details will be up to members of the shrine and Rev. Barrish to share at their discretion.

 I am not sure if more information will come after the shrine's closing on June 30th, 2023, but any updates that I am able to share, will be shared. 

Thank you very much.

[livingwithkami]

Where to receive Juyohin (sacred items for home worship) overseas

It can be difficult for practitioners of Shinto who live far from a shrine, especially when unable to receive the sacred items used for home worship. Fortunately there are shrines overseas that can support and so I have compiled a list below. If you know of any other shrines, please contact me at livingwithkami@gmail.com

(Total 6 shrines) as of May 5th, 2023:

Hilo Daijingu: 

 https://hilodaijingu.amebaownd.com/pages/215923/page_201511290156 

Kamunabi Ban'yu Ko Shinto Shrine:

 https://www.atelierkanawa.com/amulets 

Shusse Inari Shrine of America:

 https://shintoinari.org/shinto-items/ 

Daijingu Temple of Hawaii (USA Only):

https://daijingutemple.org/product-category-omamori/omamori/

Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha (USA Only):

http://www.e-shrine.org/omamori.html

Izumo Taishakyo of Hawaii (USA Only):

https://www.izumotaishahawaii.com/order

--

Konko Faith related: To learn how to worship at home for Konko Faith, please contact Konkokyo International Center at kic@konkokyo.or.jp, or you may contact me directly at livingwithkami@gmail.com

--

 Additional Resources:

--

Shingyo Zan Kosenji (For Buddhist worship): 

https://kosen-ji.org/shop-%26-resources/ols/categories/476bblu84k

Gasshodo:

 https://gasshodo.com/product-category/omamori-ofuda/

This site is connected to a Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple. It is maintained by a layperson volunteer. It is a good resource for acquiring legitimate items for Shinbutsu-related worship - Ofuda, Omamori, Altar tools, including an inexpensive Ofuda stand, and even Engimono like Ema. However, most of these items will need to be used in the proper Buddhist context – it is best to email to ask

Shrine Space:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/shrinespace/?etsrc=sdt

This is primarily a shop of handmade altar items, but there are also Juyohin available as the owner is an ordained Zen Buddhist priest.

[livingwithkami]

Blog Links (For Mobile): Home 🌿 About Me 🌿Services🌿 Reading List 🌿 Shinto Beginner Guide 🌿 Shinto Shrines Outside of Japan 🌿 Juyohin (Sacred Items)🌿Norito Prayers 🌿 Archive 🌿🌿🌿🌿 🌿Hello, my name is Olivia Bernkastel or livingwithkami, I'm 31 years old, and I'm a licensed Shinto priestess of the Konko Faith. I'm from Canada, now living in Japan.

You can find some more information about me here: https://livingwithkami.carrd.co

The purpose of this blog and my other socials from now to the foreseeable future is to share about my own life and reflections as a priestess in the Konko Faith, and occasionally share about general Shinto information, history, and traditions.

🌿I have been on Tumblr and this blog for over 10 years now, and have underwent much change since when I began.

I have done my best to clear out many of my old posts that were lacking in information, context, and not of good quality to avoid confusion for the reader's learning purposes.

if you come across a post of mine from pre-2021, and feel confusion or wondering about it, please feel free to contact me about it anytime at my email livingwithkami@gmail.com.

🌿From now, I hope to write better informational and quality posts about Shinto having learned a lot from residing in Japan since 2017, from the teachers around me, from following the culture here, and from changing and growing as an individual due to major life events from 2020 onward that have deeply and irrecoverably shaped who I am now.

In addition, I hope my personal posts will be able to make those living far from shrines feel more a part of a community and be an interesting view into shrine life and this service to Kami-sama.

🌿Ultimately, I began to write and want to continue because I strongly wish that Shinto can be known, practiced, and spread far and wide overseas.

I wish this as I truly, deeply, feel that Kami-sama help people geninuely, and that the ways taught by Shinto enrich our lives, and pave the path for us to work towards embodying wisdom, sincerity, humility, and many other virtues that make society more harmonious for all.

I am deeply grateful for the many others working hard in the community to share and teach about Shinto as well.

🌿Thank you so much for your kindness and support over all the years. I will keep learning, growing, and doing my best each day.

🌿Please note too, that I generally can't stay online for long due to work at the shrine. I will post time to time, but direct messages, replies, and other posts is difficult to attend to. Please contact me by email (livingwithkami@gmail.com) if you would like anytime as it is the best way to reach me.

����Below is a photo of my home shrine, Konkokyo Yokosuka shrine, a photo of me working, and the main altar of the shrine.

[livingwithkami]

Ah, I didn’t realize it was already 3 years old! I noticed it in the tags only a few days ago, but I’m really thankful I found it and could think about it and reply. I see and understand! That makes a lot of sense too.

Thank you so much for posing the question too, it made me stop and think and reflect as well! I’m so happy to hear from you too and I’m very thankful!

The Feeling of Impurity ... in a fictional place.

Hiiii everyone! Aya here! It’s been a while! 

But I guess I have a strange serious post. There was a certain conversation about World of Warcraft and the Draenei and what happened in main timeline where they got slaughtered… like the 80% of the population.

The question is: Is it strange to have a spiritual gut feeling (strong negative vibes) over something fictional, as if it happened? Like having the feeling of impurity in a fictional place? So…

Let me explain …

Here is the Path of Glory. (https://wow.gamepedia.com/Path_of_Glory) in the game World of Warcraft.

[ Note:Okay duh no one goes to outlands, it sucks there but this is not the point ]

In the main timeline lore, this is a place where the race known as the Draenei got slaughtered by the demon crazed Orcs. Like as stated on the article, nine out of ten Draenei were slaughtered. And what the Orcs did was use the bones of the Draenei to make a road. The Path of Glory. This is located in “Outlands - Hellfire Pennisula” And well … it looks like this.

(I couldn’t even bare to go to it just to make a screenshot; I am just using the Wowpedia screenshot. Heck the idea of even posting this ..it’s like … ugh but I gotta show what I mean)

It makes me physically sick to even get close to that part of the game, a feeling of extreme impurity and generally being in that zone it gives me horrendous negative feelings, I refuse to do the quests that are there, I refuse to even “step foot” upon the road. Not like angry at Blizzard, lol, but just the whole idea of being in zone makes me physically sick and I just can’t bare to get close to it, let alone have my character step on it. Like the feeling of real impurity.

Now, is it strange to have a spiritual level feeling of dread and disgust in a fictional place as if it actually happened? Is it strange to have a feeling of dread to even enter the zone? And the idea of my character just stepping on the “path of glory”. The feeling of Shinto impurity as if it really happened? And the idea of just questing around it makes me physically sick and a strong strong feeling of impurity?

…. I can’t believe I’m asking Shinto tumblr about this. And please, only serious answers.

> @livingwithkami​ – I can’t believe I have to ask this question.

[livingwithkami]

Hello, thank you for tagging me in this! It is a good question and interesting question. I’m also glad to hear from you too.  I also felt very ill and uneasy looking at the landscapes in the game - and reading the little bit of context in your post and the Wiki, it’s a very grim story and setting. It’s meant to invoke a sense of unease, sadness, dread, digust, and all manner of negative emotions from the one experiencing the game. Kegare is said to arise from physical places, people, or things that invoke a sense of “heaviness” or “sickness” in us. Something that makes us feel “down” or “off”. However this is the basic simple answer. In a deeper understanding. Kegare is more of a  “cause and effect” phenomenon - a state of being that arises in our heart and soul from seeing, touching, being in, or experiencing something that causes us to feel in a bad or negative state. As in the myths, Izanagi Okami-sama was covered in the feeling of Kegare when he returned from Yomi, a place that was very soul-crushing, upsetting, disturbing, and frightening to him. While Kegare makes us feel bad and heavy, Kegare is not a morally wrong state of being. It is a normal part of living and everyone experiences it. Though we must cleanse it from our heart and soul before it overwhelms us and we risk committing or falling into doing Tsumi, which are morally wrong actions that bring and create more Kegare. It’s natural to experience this in life and it doesn’t mean Kegare is “evil”, just it should be cleared and moved so it does not gather and stagnate. Unfortunately in certain places, like the place the Path of Glory invokes, Kegare is thick in the air from the level of Tsumi (morally wrong actions) committed there. 

In that sense, if we were in such a place like the Path of Glory with this physical body, it’s certain almost everyone would be overcome with Kegare from what we would take in from our senses, the feeling of the air, and the knowledge of horrors of the location. 

Now, thankfully it’s a fictional place so we experience the location with the knowledge it is only in a game and we can leave it any time. But much like a dream or a nightmare which isn’t real but it still affects us, we still experience this horrible place even if it is just in a game. In addition, I personally know how immersive games can be - how aspects of them and writings can affect our heart and soul - so even moreso coming to a location like this while immersed in the game, would affect you. 

Because it invokes the bad feeling inside your heart and soul, yes, it is truly Kegare you are experiencing and after playing I recommend taking the time you need time to step away from it and purify the Kegare so it doesn’t overtake you and leave you feeling very sunken. It of course is on a different scale than if you were to experience such a place in real life, but the scale and emotion that it invokes in you, and therefore the Kegare, is real, so it is not strange to me you experience it. 

The Feeling of Impurity ... in a fictional place.

Hiiii everyone! Aya here! It’s been a while! 

But I guess I have a strange serious post. There was a certain conversation about World of Warcraft and the Draenei and what happened in main timeline where they got slaughtered… like the 80% of the population.

The question is: Is it strange to have a spiritual gut feeling (strong negative vibes) over something fictional, as if it happened? Like having the feeling of impurity in a fictional place? So…

Let me explain …

Here is the Path of Glory. (https://wow.gamepedia.com/Path_of_Glory) in the game World of Warcraft.

[ Note:Okay duh no one goes to outlands, it sucks there but this is not the point ]

In the main timeline lore, this is a place where the race known as the Draenei got slaughtered by the demon crazed Orcs. Like as stated on the article, nine out of ten Draenei were slaughtered. And what the Orcs did was use the bones of the Draenei to make a road. The Path of Glory. This is located in “Outlands - Hellfire Pennisula” And well … it looks like this.

(I couldn’t even bare to go to it just to make a screenshot; I am just using the Wowpedia screenshot. Heck the idea of even posting this ..it’s like … ugh but I gotta show what I mean)

It makes me physically sick to even get close to that part of the game, a feeling of extreme impurity and generally being in that zone it gives me horrendous negative feelings, I refuse to do the quests that are there, I refuse to even “step foot” upon the road. Not like angry at Blizzard, lol, but just the whole idea of being in zone makes me physically sick and I just can’t bare to get close to it, let alone have my character step on it. Like the feeling of real impurity.

Now, is it strange to have a spiritual level feeling of dread and disgust in a fictional place as if it actually happened? Is it strange to have a feeling of dread to even enter the zone? And the idea of my character just stepping on the “path of glory”. The feeling of Shinto impurity as if it really happened? And the idea of just questing around it makes me physically sick and a strong strong feeling of impurity?

…. I can’t believe I’m asking Shinto tumblr about this. And please, only serious answers.

> @livingwithkami​ – I can’t believe I have to ask this question.