-PURIFICATION みそぎ (misogi)
Misogi is a Japanese しんと (shinto) practice of “Ritual of purification”.
This ritual of purification is using water and salt to free the body and mind from
pollution.
I inserted in this illustration pressed LOTUS flowers れんげ (renge) in her dress.
The lotus flower is revered in Japan for its ability to rise from the dirty, murky
waters to bloom into a beautiful pure flower. This process symbolizes attaining
enlightenment. The idea is that we can rise above human suffering in the same
way as the lotus by moving from the lowest to the highest state of consciousness.
Like all flowers, beauty is fleeting so even the lotus flower must die. This shows
the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. Unless of course you reach nirvana, in
which the cycle ends as you reach a state sans suffering. Although the lotus flower
is a symbol of enlightenment, purity and chastity.
Misogi is a Japanese しんと (shinto) practice of “Ritual of purification”.
This ritual of purification is using water and salt to free the body and mind from
pollution.
I inserted in this illustration pressed LOTUS flowers れんげ (renge) in her dress.
The lotus flower is revered in Japan for its ability to rise from the dirty, murky
waters to bloom into a beautiful pure flower. This process symbolizes attaining
enlightenment. The idea is that we can rise above human suffering in the same
way as the lotus by moving from the lowest to the highest state of consciousness.
Like all flowers, beauty is fleeting so even the lotus flower must die. This shows
the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. Unless of course you reach nirvana, in
which the cycle ends as you reach a state sans suffering. Although the lotus flower
is a symbol of enlightenment, purity and chastity.
