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Thread: Bowing Ceremony

  1. #1
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    Oct 2010
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    Idaho, Boise
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    Question Bowing Ceremony

    Hi all,
    I am a Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu member/practitioner. We have a bowing ceremony that I know is linked to Shinto origins. I've asked this question elsewhere, but no one seems to know the answer, or at least wants to share it. We begin as a class by stating a japanese phrase that translates to something like, "let every moment in life bring me closer to enlightenment," then we clap twice, bow, clap once, bow. This is all done while kneeling. What is the significance of the different clapping and bowing? I assume it has to do with Shinto origins so I'm hoping it can be answered here. Thanks!

  2. #2
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    Sep 2006
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    Hi,

    I was once told it had to do with summoning the shinto gods of war to look over the practice session. I am not sure if it is exactly correct. I used to do the same bowing in Japanese Goju Karate. Gogen Yamaguchi, 10th dan and founder of the GoJu Kai, was also a Shinto priest. I also had the same bow in when doing aiki jujutsu. Hope it helps.

    I would also like to know if what I said is exactly correct or if it is way off base.

    Hope someone with more knowlege can correct me If I'm wrong.

    Kevin Moskie
    Kevin Moskie

  3. #3
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    Jun 2000
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    Long Beach, CA, USA
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    I know it's been years since this was asked...

    The Shinto bowing ceremony is called
    "ni rei, ni hakushu ippai" 二礼、二拍手、一拝
    2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow

    It is to announce your presence to the kami and pay respect. It is believed that the sound vibrations of clapping echo onto “the High Plain of Heaven” where the Shinto gods dwell.

    They are not necessarily for “god of war” per’se, but all kami.
    Which kami is dependent on those associated with your tradition and/or those beseeched in the prayers you recite.
    Richard Elias
    Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin ryu
    Yanagi Ryu

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