Introduction

Misogi (禊) is a Japanese Shinto purification ritual that involves cleansing the body, mind, and spirit, often through exposure to natural elements like water. It is deeply spiritual and symbolic, meant to purify a person of spiritual impurities (known as kegare) and reconnect them with nature, the divine, and their true self.

Key Elements

Water Purification: The most common form involves standing under a waterfall (taki-shugyō), immersing in a river, or washing with cold water. It’s done in a state of mindfulness, prayer, and often accompanied by chants or breathing techniques. Spiritual Focus: Participants often recite Shinto prayers or mantras, such as “harai tamae kiyome tamae” (祓え給え 清め給え) — “purify me, cleanse me.” It’s not just physical cleansing, but mental and emotional purification. Pre-Ritual Preparation: Often involves fasting, meditation, breathing exercises, and wearing traditional white garments (symbolizing purity). Setting: Takes place in sacred or natural spaces: mountains, waterfalls, rivers, or shrines. Practitioners may seek guidance or blessings from Shinto priests.

Modern and Cultural Uses

Aikido & Martial Arts: Misogi is sometimes used as a form of mental training to cultivate focus and inner strength. Personal Growth: In modern contexts, people may use misogi-like practices (e.g. cold plunges or silent retreats) as a way to reset mentally and spiritually. New Year’s Rituals: In Japan, misogi may be performed around the New Year to start fresh and purify oneself for the coming year.

Example

A traditional misogi might look like this:

A person dressed in a white robe walks quietly into a forest at dawn, chants a Shinto prayer, and steps under a freezing waterfall while breathing deeply and focusing their mind on purity and intention.