Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers

by Ann Llewellyn Evans

This book presents, for the first time, a collection of ancient Japanese Shinto prayers in a format where English speaking readers can both understand the deep meaning of the translated text and can also pronounce the original Japanese words.

Shinto is an ancient spiritual tradition, primarily practiced in Japan, which is now spreading its traditions to the western world. Its primordial rituals and traditions touch a deep chord within one's spiritual self. Shinto's focus on divinity of all beings and of all creation, on living with gratitude and humility, and on purification and lustration of one's self and environment will bring light and joy to any reader.

The purpose of prayer and ritual as practiced in the Shinto tradition, is to reinsert ourselves into a divine state of being, not as a new position, but as an acknowledgement and reinforcement of what already exists. Ritual restores sensitive awareness to our relationship to the universe. Through purification and removal of impurities and blockages, we return to our innate internal brightness and cultivate a demeanor of gratitude and joy.

Shinto rituals and prayers were created by ancient man over 2,000 years ago in a time when mankind was more intuitive about his relationship to this world. Because of this, the rites are archetypal and invoke deep emotion within the participants.

This book of prayers will introduce the western reader to the deep spirituality of Shinto, providing explanation of the spiritual tradition and practice and providing a collection of 22 prayers for use in personal meditation and devotions.

Order a perfect bound version of Shinto Norito

Genres: Japan, Religion, Nonfiction, Paganism, Spirituality, Reference

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2002

Reviews

[Efren · Rating 5 out of 5]

got to happen in the library

It’s literally just a translation of the prayers with English translation, so you can pronounce them in the native tongue. I like this because it keeps a bit of the original magic.

I would have liked more information, but for what it is it’s definitely worth the money and it’s nice to have in my library

[7ele7yp0 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping in something more... Explanatory? My fault. I should look for a history of Shintoism.

[Andy Kwok · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to taste the essence of Shinto.

[Happydog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and well-translated selection of prayers from the Shinto tradition in Japan. The book is meant to be used in a devotional context. Each prayer is rendered in Japanese script, phonetic-English Japanese, and English. The translation is very poetic but not flowery, and captures the essence of each prayer with lyricism and grace. The book also includes a pronunciation guide, information on how to set up a Shinto altar, and instructions on how to do daily prayers and special event prayers. The book is clean, clear, down-to-earth, and extremely useful, with no hint of new-agery or cultural misappropriation.

[Teresa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I refer to this book so often that my copy is beginning to show signs of wear. It has proven so valuable that I have gifted several people with copies of their own after they have expressed interest in Shinto and/or Japanese spirituality. There are prayers in this book for everything from Great Occasions to daily use.

[Michelle Ng]

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