The Kami Shrine
Last morning of the retreat we put all the parts together. Looking at how things connect, how everything plants the seed for something else, how everything is a result of causes and consequences, how our actions have results, the truth of interdependence. Can practicing vinyasa with this kind of awareness help us avoid oil spills in the future? Or how to cope with volcanic ash issues? Hmmmm…….
Last class together. Everyone was totally into it -- what a joy!
We decided to finish our retreat by visiting the Kami shrine.
The Kami shrine represents the feminine principle. We all wanted to leave an offering there at the end of our time together. Becca is picking flowers along the bridge as part of her offering.
First stop -- purification. There is a little trough and you use the ladle to scoop up some water and pour it on your left hand. Then wash your right hand. Then swish some water in your mouth and spit it out on the ground. Then wash your left hand again.
Pia, from Vancouver, BC, waits her turn to purify.
The sun feels good to me.
Next, we pass through this Tory gate, after making a 90 degree bow.
One by one, we each made our offerings at the Kami shrine, as Laura is doing here. First you place your offering on the altar. People gave flowers, writings on small pieces of paper, a tiny stacked rock statue, a mala, chocolate. Then you stand up straight, bow twice from the waist, and then clap twice. The first clap is to cut through obstacles and the second clap is to draw down the Kami blessing. Then one more bow and you are done.
Silently, we watched each other make our offerings, and then we left to go back down the mountain.
One last look back at this special spot.
A nice bow and then back through the Tory gate.
Past the purification hut.
Past the stupa.
The retreat is finished. Time for lunch.
