Rituals of the Nakatomi no harae and Nakatomi no harae kunge in the Middle Ages
Abstract
In traditional Shinto rituals, we find harae 祓 ritual purification. Within the diversity of harae, Ôharae 大祓 stands out, which objective consists of a great purification, eliminating the sin tsumi 罪 and the impurity kegare 穢れ every six months. Likewise, it is known as "Nakatomi no harae 中臣祓", since these rituals were entrusted to the Nakatomi Clan, for their celebration.
This paper aims to understand the spirituality of the people of Ancient Japan, reflected in Nakatomi no harae, texts that contain the ritual process of purification, consisting of the elimination of the origin of sin thanks to the divinities. The text is considered key to the essence of Shintoism, to such an extent that it left its influence on Buddhist rituals, which from the end of Ancient Japan, were reformed into Nakatomi no harae kunge 中臣祓訓解, through Shingon esoteric branches, which have retained Shinto elements incorporated into Buddhism.
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