Throughout the weekend, we participated in many other discussions, meals, social times, and ceremonies.  We were also given basic training in “Chinkon”, or Shinto Meditation.  Most of the participants stayed in the kaikan for the night, a kind of inn that is often kept by shrines.  Thus, the seminar was a non-intermittent, 24-hour experience.  The shrine also sells many items such as books, Ema boards, CDs and DVDs, Talismans and other objects of special power. Needless to say, I had a significantly heavier suitcase after visiting!

The final ceremony performed at the seminar bears a striking resemblance to the Christian communion:  A small amount of sake is ceremonially consumed by each participant, with beautiful, traditional music; this sake is spiritually shared between Kami and man, and the rite symbolizes and furthers the ultimate, beautiful goal of Shinto: the total union of Kami and mankind, and the perfection of our world.

Shortly after the seminar, I made the decision to become a member of the Shrine, and to help spread Shinto’s presence throughout the western world.

In furtherance of my dedication to supporting nature-based spiritualities, I have since helped in re-establishing Michigan State University’s student group devoted to such paths.

But even for those who may have already found their path to the Divine (whether it be Christianity or another way), I believe that for the person studying the traditional Japanese martial arts, the Shrine experience is very much worthwhile, as it helps foster the deepest possible understanding of the origin and character of the Japanese ways.