Things To Do
Visitors are welcome to explore many sacred activities
WALKING MEDITATION: Kinhin
Kinhin is a formal walking meditation practice. In walking, we experience awareness and equanimity of prayer in the form of motion. The simple practice of walking provides the bridge between seated prayer and meditation and engaging in the complex and everchanging activity of our lives with presence, focus, and wisdom.
This practice is centered on living in harmony with Great Nature (Daishizen 大自然). During your meditation walk, focus on being part of the natural world around you. As you walk, shed the impurities and burdens acquired through daily living, restoring your innate, bright and pure nature.
Kinhin can be practiced independently or in a group. We have 3 formal Meditation Walks at Shin Mei Spiritual Centre:
Forest Trail (unity with Great Nature)
Meadow Path (protective energy)
Pond Path (family and ancestors)
Our Meditation trails are open to all visitors. Please stop in at the Centre when you arrive to register your arrival. We will explain trail locations and provide you with a Walking Meditation guidebook.
MORNING PRAYER PRACTICE
Chohai —We chant Ō Harahi no Kotoba, the Great Words of Purification for one’s self, community, and world. This is followed by silent meditation, and then recitation of our commitment to activate the kami within all beings and throughout Nature, restoring divinity to all. Prayers can be found here.
INDIVIDUALIZED CEREMONIES
We conduct Shinto ceremonies for special requests (Gokitō), including baby blessings, weddings, funerals, prayers for good health, removal of obstacles, and other specific requests.
Please contact Rev. Evans to arrange details.
OMAIRI
Omairi お参り means to visit a shrine or temple.
This is a time where you are welcome to visit Shin Mei Spiritual Centre to pay your respects to the kamisama, to visit the shrines, and/or to follow your own self-directed spiritual practice or meditation.
At the beginning of your visit you will be welcomed with tea at the centre, and will be given a quick overview of the island and facilities. Please let us know you’ve arrived and confirm return times so the return boat doesn’t leave without you.
Then you are welcome to follow your own contemplative or spiritual practice.
Things you could do:
· Visit the different Shinto shrines and other sacred spaces on the island
· Meditate or study in the Tibetan Buddhist meditation room
· Reconnect with Great Nature
· Draw an omikuji fortune or write an Ema wishing plaque
· Walk the sacred forest, or follow one of the many meditation paths
· Complete acts of service such as sweeping, cleaning, or gardening
· Help with invasive species removal (we have clippers etc.)
· Just Be
All people and all faiths, and spiritual or contemplative practices are welcome as long as your practice is respectful of the grounds and the other visitors.
