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Life As A Path, Part 2 - Misogi-Harai in Every Day Life
When many think of Eastern spiritualism, one of the most enduring and immediately-occurring images is that of the ascetic standing beneath a waterfall in a suitably reverent position, deep in meditation and at peace with the world, untroubled by the immense pressure from the water and the undoubtedly chilly temperature of it. This image has come from years of practice called misogi-harai, which is much the same cleansing and is done in a similar way today. Oharai, or spiritual cleansing in general, is often done at a shrine with simply a gohei, or ritual wand, and those wishing to be cleansed.
Unfortunately, for many this is an exciting fantasy and not an immediate reality. To many as well, this isn't possible for them to achieve in ideal circumstances, and without the proper privacy, setting, and mindset it can prove more disruptive than calming. Misogi-harai seems a distant goal, the gold ring on a carousel of spirituality. However, it does not have to be so lofty and far-off. Misogi-harai is closer than you may imagine.
As with many things on the spiritual path, it takes visualization...imagination, a mind's eye, and a desire...and the simple acceptance of what you have at your disposal. All that is needed is that familiar place to all of us, the bath. If you have a shower, it is best of all. If you don't, there are inexpensive nozzles you may try that will simulate one, or you can simply use the bath itself. As always, please consider your physical needs first and foremost in any endeavor.
Most people take daily showers or baths, and this is an ideal time to try misogi-harai for many reasons. First of all, it is a private time. In the shower, you are not likely to be disturbed by others. If you live with others and think it may be likely, simply tell them that you are not to be disturbed during your shower today. Take the phone off the hook if necessary. This is your time; appreciate it and apply it to your spiritual development and physical health.
Second, bathing is an experience associated with cleansing. It will be a small step in your mind to connect physical cleansing with spiritual and mental cleansing. The daily shower can be a ritual for you to cleanse yourself of the negative, of the clutter and grime of day-to-day life. For a time you can be totally serene, totally surrounded by water, the falling sound of which tends to shut out most other noise. The water washes away and makes new.
Third, bathing is a time when we can both literally cast off everything and figuratively embrace that as well. We need only our bodies, with nothing else, for spiritual cleansing and development. Fashion, the opinions of others of our appearances, accessories, expensive accoutrements, none of these things matter when we are cleaning ourselves. We can experience how it is to be without them, and to be our pure selves.
Some people may enjoy using an oil diffuser to release a scent in the room. Alternatively you may use incense or scented candles, or no scent at all of course. If you use candles, as always make sure you don't accidentally place them where they might set something else on fire. With incense, make sure you don't set them upon anything that might become stained from them.
You can also use oil in the water if you are using a bathtub and not a shower, or if you are able to plug the drain to prevent it from draining out of the shower. Be sure not to overflow your shower though, and you may wish to wait to plug the drain after you have drained out the water you rinse off yourself after washing. Sometimes a few drops of oil added to a bath or simply to water will release a lovely scent, usually best-done with heat. Be sure to wipe down the sides of the shower or bath afterwards though, since oil usually leaves a residue.