By Rev. Koichi Barrish

The ceremony began with Syubatsu, the purification of the Shinsen (food offerings) , the ceremonial objects, the priests, the participants and the area.

This was performed by the Shinto priest, the Kannushi (meaning belonging to and dedicated to serving Kami ).

Rev. Hisao Ohtake recited the word of purification (Harae-Kotoba), calling on the Kami of purification (Haraedo-no-ohkami) to cleanse the area of any impurity (Kegare) that may obscure the pure energy of divine nature.

Rev. Tetsuji Ochiai as ohnusa waved the Harai-guishi (wand of purification and antenna for the haraedo-no-ohkami) to sweep way stagnation and I, as Ento sprinkled water with salt, the purifier of life.

Rev. Yukiyasu Jun Yamamoto, Gon Guji or assistant chief priest of Tsubaki Grand Shrine, then opened the doors of the inner sanctuary as Rev. Hisao Ohtake of Tsubaki's Tokyo office, voiced the Keihitsu, awe-inspiring "oh"sound. (This door is opened only three times a year, at the Spring, Fall and annual ceremonies.) This was followed by Kensen, the offering of food (Shinsen) to Kami.

As Saisyu or master of the ceremony, Rev. Yamamoto dedicated the prayer, Norito-soujyou. The special vibration and rhythm of the Norito are inbred with a mysterious power to resonate with the Ki (energy) of Kami.

As Rev. Yamamoto prayed for the happiness, health, prosperity and protection of all, and expressed gratitude to Kami, the feeling of purification manifested was greater than the feeling of the 100-plus degrees of California valley heat during the ceremony.

Miss Erina Nakamura dedicated the sacred dance to Kami, Kagura-mai Urayasu-no-mai.The timeless dignity, grace and beauty of this offering was felt deeply by all.

The offering of Tamagushi followed Kagura.Tamagushi is a branch of evergreen with a Shide (paper helix) attached with Asa-himo (hemp).The Shide is an antenna sensitive to Kami and the Asa-himo is straight and clear as Kami energy. Tama refers to tamashii (soul) and gushi to kushi (to connect).

Tamagushi-hairei (offering) is a profound method for personal connection to Kami. Saisyu Yamamoto led the Kannushi in this dedication. They were followed first by honored guests Dr. and Mrs. Delmer Brown, Dr.George Williams and his wife, Dr. Judith Gellard, (Brown and Williams are members of the Tsubaki America board), Mr. Shoji Ishikawa and Mrs. Aihara, and then by other guests.

Following Tamagushi hairei, the food offering was symbolically removed by covering the main offering. Then a final bow was made to Kami.

Rev. Yamamoto thanked guests for attending and outlined the 10-year history of the Tsubaki America shrine. Through the work of Tsubaki America and its Kannushi, Rev. Jun Yamamoto, Rev. Hitoshi Iwasaki, Rev. Ochiai and Rev. Tsumura, many Americans have been exposed to and have participated in the Shinto ceremony.

The Tsubaki America newsletter has been informative and varied. Tsubaki America has been very active in interfaith dialogue and has provided academic opportunities for Shinto studies.

Rev. Yamamoto explained Shinto as providing a " spiritual mechanism" to balance the modern mind, transcending the domain of religion. He assured everyone that Tsubaki America and its resident priest will without fail continue to work for a deepening understanding between Japan and America and for world peace.

Dr. Judith Gellard, a concert violinist and physician, made an offering of a beautiful violin solo.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed the foods and drink (sake) dedicated to the Kami at the ceremony. Some people browsed through the books in our library.