禊教 · みそぎきょう · sects_organizations

Misogikyō

A Shintō sect founded by Inoue Masakane focused on breath-control and water-purification (misogi) as the path to spiritual unity with the kami.

Definition

Inoue Masakane (1790–1849) systematised a method of nagatō no kokyū (long-tone breathing) combined with cold-water ablutions and chanting of the norigoto and Amatsu Norito. Persecuted under the Tokugawa for unorthodox teachings, the movement was rehabilitated and recognised as one of the Thirteen Sects in 1894. Modern Misogikyō centres still teach the breathing-and-misogi method that influenced figures such as Ueshiba Morihei, founder of aikido.

Etymology

misogi ("water purification") + kyō