New Year’s Sampai – January 1st
At midnight, we chant together to ring in the new year with prayers invoking a better world.
Purification Sampai, “Setsubun” – February 2nd
Shumei honors “Setsubun,” an occasion of purification. On February 3rd, to initiate more remarkable purification, Shumei facilitates the chanting of the Amatsunorito & Kamigoto. These chants will help purify us before “Rishun” sampai the following morning.
Meishusama considered this day an auspicious time for purifying the toxins and negativity that make up our spiritual clouds. It is also a time to reflect upon the nature and condition of our lives and determine what needs to be changed or improved.
Meishusama thought “Rishun,” the “First Day of Spring,” was an excellent time to initiate new projects. On this very day, many years ago, Mokichi Okada changed his title from “Grand Sensei” to “Meishusama,” which translates to “Master of Light.” He also initiated the practice of mass Jyorei and created various new structures within his spiritual organization. He felt that new beginnings were more successful when preceded by purification. Thus the importance of the Purification Sampai, Setsubun, on February 3rd.
First Day of Spring, “Rishun” – February 3rd
February 4th is the day Japanese culture celebrates “Rishun,” also known as the “First Day of Spring.” Rishun falls halfway between the Winter Solstice on December 21st and the Spring Equinox on March 20th. According to the Lunar Calendar, this is considered the first day of spring. In many cultures, this day celebrates the return of the sun’s light to the world, with the accompanying rebirth of trees, plants, and other life forms.
From a spiritual perspective, along with the increase in sunlight comes an increase in the Divine Light that permeates everything. Chanting the Amatsunorito is our way of welcoming the new life promised by the gift of the sun and its warmth. The Amatsunorito clears our hearts and minds, helping us to become more receptive to God’s blessings.
Meishusama thought “Rishun,” the “First Day of Spring,” was an excellent time to initiate new projects. On this very day, many years ago, Mokichi Okada changed his title from “Grand Sensei” to “Meishusama,” which translates to “Master of Light.” He also initiated the practice of mass Jyorei and created various new structures within his spiritual organization.
Meishusama’s Memorial Sampai – February 10th
Every February 10th, Shumei honors Meishusama’s life and memory. Meishusama’s life story is a compelling testament to the values and ideas he taught, which include the purpose of purification, the ability to learn and grow through adversity, and the significance of love and service. Meishusama serves as a role model for each of us in our ongoing journey toward peace and happiness.
Spiritual Birth of Shumei Sampai, “Fukkatsusai” – March 1st
On March 1st, 1970, under the strong leadership of Shumei’s first president Kaishusama, independence from the parent organization was declared. From that point, Shumei navigated many challenges and began returning to the practices that Meishusama encouraged. Later, the organization would achieve tremendous growth and accomplishments.
The Japanese word “fukkatsu” 復活 literally means ‘rebirth’ or ‘resurrection’. In this case, it means the resurrection of Meishusma into Shumei. On this day we commemorate Shumei’s independence.
Legal Birth of Shumei Sampai – June 2nd
At the beginning of 1970, the Shumei Group in Japan sought to separate from the parent organization Sekai-Kyuseikyo. Mikotosama, the second president of Shumei, began visiting the Kyoto Prefecture government office daily to check on the status of this request, but there were many obstacles and deceptions that made it look as though this request would not be granted. However, the Kyoto prefecture governor, Torazo Ninagawa, had a strong sense of justice and granted Shumei this special status on June 2nd, 1970.
On that day, Shumei legally became an independent organization. It was one of the most delightful moments in Shumei’s history. Since then, Shumei has grown internationally and accomplished many things like the construction of its headquarters in Misono, the creation of the Miho Museum, the development and spread of Natural Agriculture practices, and the healing and personal growth for thousands of people around the world through Jyorei and other spiritual practices. Guided by Meishusama, Shumei continues to foster the creation of an ideal world of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
On this day, we remember and celebrate the legacy of our leaders and express our gratitude for the many blessings we are receiving from God and Meishusama.
Sunrise Sampai – June 15th
On June 15, 1931, Meishusama ascended Mount Nokogiri, where he received a revelation of his mission to help transform the world. In this revelation, he witnessed the conversion from Night to Day in the spiritual world, heralding the arrival of a New Age of Light in the World. But first, this New Age will have to occur in the subtle realms before it can exist in the physical world.
At sunrise on June 15th, wherever we may be, we renew our commitment to spread Divine Light and help create an ideal world by chanting and praying together, creating a wave of prayers across the globe.
“Meishusama came down from the mountain that day with the realization that his divine mission had now become imperative. The time was coming when he must extend his Divine Light healings to the general public, inform the world of God’s plan, and bring spiritual cleansing to all humanity.”
—Divine Revelation, An Offering of Light
Purification Sampai – June 30th
June 30th marks the completion of the first half of the year. It is a special day for reflecting upon what has transpired during the past six months. Purification Sampais, or “Oharai,” will be held at your local Shumei Centers at 5:00 pm (local time). If you would like to help align and rejuvenate your spiritual energies, we encourage you to join us at one of these sampais to chant the Amatsunorito and Kamigoto and exchange Jyorei.
Traditionally, June 30th is an auspicious day to clear the accumulated toxins from the first part of the year. Meishusama valued the intent and timing of this ancient ritual performed three times a year. Shumei observes these purification rituals every year on February 3, June 30, and December 31.
The ceremony begins with reciting the Amatsunorito and Kamigoto chants. Both chants have a cleansing vibration in the spirit of their words, known as Kototama. The Kamigoto, in particular, brings more cleansing energy to our loved ones, surroundings, neighborhoods, and the world. The Kamigoto prayer also can help purify our spiritual clouds, rejuvenate our spiritual power, and align us with divinity.
Mikotosama’s Memorial Sampai – July 11th
Remembering Mikotosama – With Gratitude
Mikotosama, the second president of Shumei, was instrumental in Shumei’s becoming independent from its mother organization under Kaishusama’s guidance. A few years later, Mikotosama led the construction of Misono (meaning ‘Sacred Garden’), which was completed in 1983. Mikotosama was 47 years old at that time.
Mikotosama, through his dynamic leadership and excellent vision, inspired and uplifted many members’ spirits. In 1985, he sent Sensei Eugene Imai to the United States, paving the way for the formation of Shumei America.
Seiwa No Mikotosama’s Memorial Sampai – September 1st
On September 1st, 2022, Hiroko Koyama Kaicho-Sensei, our revered third president of Shinji Shumeikai, departed for heaven. During her life, she overcame tremendous challenges and transformed herself into an outstanding spiritual leader. She always interacted with people with care, respect, and compassion, embodying the qualities of Kannon. Her pure and unwavering devotion to Meishusama’s vision enabled the Shumei community to grow internationally, as we see today. Shumei America greatly benefited from her exceptional leadership and warm support.
Together with Kaishusama, the first president of Shumei, she oversaw the opening of the Miho Museum in 1997 and completed Shumei’s Three Sacred Grounds by designating Crestone as the third sacred site in 2002. She also had a deep affection for children, treating them as if they were her own. Her passion for youth education inspired Shumei to establish a boarding school, founded on Meishusama’s philosophy, for students in grades 7 through 12. It’s called the Miho Institute of Aesthetics in 2012. [She taught the students that saying, “Thank you, Meishusama,” is the foundation of all expressions of gratitude. For her, this phrase was never a mere formality but always a heartfelt expression of her devotion and gratitude to Meishusama.]
In keeping with Shumei’s tradition, we now refer to her by her honorific posthumous name, Sei Wa Bi Myo Ko Myo no Mikoto. This name signifies a highly distinguished person whose spirituality is represented by purity, harmony, beauty, Kannon’s compassion and wisdom, vastness, and brightness. It encapsulates her character and achievements, embodying the highest virtues. For convenience, we refer to her as Seiwa no Mikotosama for short.
On this special day, as we honor her life and lofty achievements—particularly her legacy of promoting the Three Art Activities: Jyorei, Natural Agriculture, and the appreciation of art and beauty—it is essential for us to reflect on how she would want us to act.
Kaishusama’s Memorial Sampai – November 29th
Remembering Kaishusama – With Gratitude
Healing with Jyorei since the 1940s in Japan, Kaishusama led many thousands to follow Meishusama’s philosophy and practices. In 1970, She directed Shumei to become newly independent and later initiated the construction of Misono (meaning ‘Sacred Garden’) in the Shigaraki Mountains in Japan. Misono became Shumei’s world headquarters in 1983. She also initiated the building of the Miho Museum near Misono, hosting exquisite Asian and ancient international artworks there.
Kaishusama emphasized the importance of beauty and spiritual growth; according to Meishusama, these will usher in Heaven on Earth. Kaishusama transitioned to the Spiritual World on November 29, 2003. We are grateful to Kaishusama for her sixty years of tireless care and dedication to others. Shumei carries on her wise vision of service that uplifts the spirit and brings happiness to others.
Meishusama’s Birthday Sampai – December 23rd
Born in Tokyo, Japan on December 23, 1882, Mokichi Okada became a powerful healer, prolific author, and revered spiritual leader. Known as Meishusama, he dedicated his life to furthering the creation of a world free of sickness, poverty, and strife. For this to happen, he believed people needed to elevate their level of consciousness by healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Thus, he introduced the healing practice of Jyorei, the Natural Agriculture philosophy, and many spiritual teachings during the first half of the twentieth century. In 1955, at the age of 72, he entered the spiritual world.
This is an auspicious time of year when we get to honor our founder and prepare for the new year. We trust that the world is receiving much greater Light today because of Meishusama. May we continue to elevate and carry this energy forward from our hearts to many others.
Purification Sampai, “Oharai” – December 31st
December 31st marks the completion of the year. Meishusama taught that the Purification Sampai, which is observed three times a year and is referred to as “Oharai (大祓い)”, is a powerful means of purifying our personal energies. This, being the third of the three, is a good time for us to reflect upon what has transpired during the past twelve months.
Some centers choose to hold a fire ceremony along with the Sampai for purification and renewal. There is often a stick-burning ritual for releasing bad habits and setting new resolutions.