Some people might think that it is strange to send gratitude to the lost spirits. In the World of Spirit, receiving gratitude from humans is most effective. Imagine you are dead. Do you think anybody will remember you and send gratitude towards you? In this modern world, even within parent and child relationship, that might not happen. That is why it is so appreciated to receive gratitude after death. It is such an honor and a virtue. So we purposefully give thanks.
When the spirit in the World of Spirits or World of Hell, receives gratitude from a related human being, the energy turns into something it really wants at that moment. If the spirit is in pain, the pain will go away only when the gratitude is sent. When it is starving, it turns into a delicious meal equivalent to the amount of gratitude. This moment of relief will help the spirits to reflect and improve. For the spirits who are in severe pain, it is no use to admonish. To a starving spirit, it is no use to preach or chant some beautiful words. We first send the gratitude, so they can take a break and start to recognize that they do not have a body anymore, and will be able to let go of the attachment to this World of Reality. When they start to recognize this, the pain or starvation will gradually disappear. When those spirits who are already in peace receive the gratitude, they are empowered and attain more mobility. They will start to protect the living descendents, and start to help the other spirits who are still not in peace. We have more related spirits other than our direct ancestors. It might be someone who took care of you when you were a baby, or someone related to your work or that helped you that you do not even recognize. All of these spirits, if their direct descendents are not doing the kuyō, might come to you because they recognize you from when they were alive. When you send gratitude and make them be at ease, it is adding virtue to yourself. When you are in trouble, they will voluntarily come to help you.
By sending the gratitude to your ancestors and other related spirits, plus by using incense as an offering for comfort, will bring you practical power. The sense of gratitude actually goes all the way up to the World of Gods. This is the highest offering you can ever offer. Tossing coins at the shrine will make gods sad and definitely not make them happy. One person offers a coin and asks for their wish to come true. Another person sends only gratitude to the source that he or she is alive and makes that an offering. Which person do you think a god will be motivated to help?
In any case, this chant “Ikashite-itadaite Arigatō-gozaimasu ” is something I received when I was visiting The Grand Shrine of Ise Gegū. I was told that this is the “Key” to everything. It is a Divine Revelation. I am not concerned if anyone is against this idea. It is beyond human understanding.
"Ikashite-Itadaite Arigato-Gozaimasu." "Thank you for letting us live."
Monday, July 21, 2008
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1 comment:
Thank you for posting this. You're right. the gods of heaven and earth need to be thanked, as well as the ancestors, spiritual and earthly who created us long ago.
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