Mirenchu Fernandez
05-02-2009, 09:26 PM
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Entering to a Shinto Shrine you will usually find a purification fountain where visitors who wish to pray should stop to cleanse themselves before proceeding further. The purification process is simple: Hold the dipper in your right hand and pour water from the fountain onto your left hand. Reverse the procedure to purify your right hand. More the dipper back to your right hand and pour a small amount of water into your left hand and bring the water to your mouth. Do not drink directly from the dipper or swallow the water, spit it out on the stones at the base of the purification fountain.
Now that you are free from impurities, bow to the altar twice, say your prayer, clap your hands together twice, and bow once again before you turn to leave.
Entering to a Shinto Shrine you will usually find a purification fountain where visitors who wish to pray should stop to cleanse themselves before proceeding further. The purification process is simple: Hold the dipper in your right hand and pour water from the fountain onto your left hand. Reverse the procedure to purify your right hand. More the dipper back to your right hand and pour a small amount of water into your left hand and bring the water to your mouth. Do not drink directly from the dipper or swallow the water, spit it out on the stones at the base of the purification fountain.
Now that you are free from impurities, bow to the altar twice, say your prayer, clap your hands together twice, and bow once again before you turn to leave.