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Activity Information
Burn away your worldly desires through the goma ritual
The goma prayer ritual will have you face a roaring fire and burn away your worldly desires through it. This experience offers you an opportunity to use the goma ritual fireplace to also incinerate the votive tablets inscribed with your prayers and wishes so that they may be granted.
Mt. Inunaki Shipporyuji Temple, the oldest holy grounds of Japan
Mt. Inunaki, also known as a primeval forest is a sacred land first developed into a holy place of worship, waterfall meditation and mountain ascetics by none other than En no Gyoja. It retains its reputation as a place of training and worship for more than 1300 years. There are seven major waterfalls and many other locations throughout the mountain, making the entire mountain a large ritual site.
The origin of Mt. Inunaki (“Howling Hound Mountain”)
More than a thousand years ago, a hunter was hunting deer with his dog in the mountains, when suddenly a giant serpent snuck up on him. The hunter’s faithfull dog saw the serpent approach and let out a horrifying cry that scared away the deer. Startled and infuriated, the hunter decapitated his beloved hound. Despite that, the head of the hound flew at the giant serpent killing it as both the hound and the serpent fell dead. The hunter, realizing his own folly and the loyalty of his hound who gave his life to save the life of his master, lamented his passing. He enshrined the hound in the Shipporyuji Temple and became a monk at the temple, spending his days mourning his faithful hound. After the emperor Uda heard this tale, he commented on the bravery and loyalty of the hound, giving the mountain its iconic name.
▽Leave the Mt. Inunaki parking lot, enter the temple grounds and continue up the path.
Fudo Myo-o, guardian of Buddhism
After a while, you will see the statue of Fudo Myo-o on your right-hand side
▽The sword with a dragon wrapped around it looks very impressive
▽Geta sandals on which En no Gyoja traveled all around Japan
Climb the staircase to reach the main hall
You will be received at the main hall. After that, you will receive an explanation about the goma ritual from a buddhist monk.
Receive your goma votive tablet and write your name and wish on it.
▽Goma votive tablets for your prayer
Start of the prayer ritual
▽The monk faces the goma fire pit and starts the prayer ritual.
▽Once the fires are lit, the monk will chant the inscriptions on the goma including names and prayers
▽Focus your mind as you gaze into the blazing flames
▽After the prayer, experience a special miraculous incantation chant
▽After that, receive your special amulet to ward of all misfortune. This special amulet is awarded only to the select few with direct ties to the temple. Each piece is roasted over a goma fire and sanctified by a monk.
The amulets are small enough to fit comfortably into the palm of your hand, so be sure to have them close to you at all times, whether in your bag or in a clean place in your house or at your work.
See the waterfalls of En no Gyoja
There are 7 waterfalls on Mt. Inunaki, which are also referred to as the sacred waterfalls of the 7 gods of fortune. It is believed that if you enter the mountain and bask in its spiritual energy, you will be blessed with good fortune.
One of the waterfalls is called the “Waterfall of En no Gyoja” and can be seen right behind the main hall. It is famous for countless visitors that come to see it or experience the waterfall meditation training all year around. If you have the time, be sure to see it yourself too!
Versatile amulets of protection
The temple offers various amulets that can not be found anywhere else, so be sure to use the occasion to get some for your closest friends and relatives.
A chance to reflect upon yourself through goma
This experience offers you the chance to escape the mundane, the hustle and bustle of your busy days and engage in valuable retrospection and self-reflection in the majestic setting of one of Japan's major power spots. Free yourself from your worldly troubles through the goma prayer ritual. Burn your troubles away and rise from the ashes, reborn and refreshed.
