Osaka: Goma Prayer Experience and Onsen Hot Springs Entry

Nestled within the spiritual heart of Osaka, the Goma Prayer Experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient Shingon Buddhist tradition. By writing their wishes on wooden sticks called Gomaki and offering them to a sacred fire, participants can purify their negative karma and manifest their aspirations. After the ritual, they can unwind in the restorative mineral-rich waters of the nearby Inunaki Hot Springs, located at the base of the sacred Mt. Inunaki. This immersive experience blends the cleansing power of the Goma ceremony with the rejuvenating properties of the hot springs, providing a harmonious balance of spiritual and physical well-being. But what secrets does this ancient practice hold, and how can it transform one’s perspective on life?

Key Points

1. Participate in the ancient Goma prayer ritual on the sacred Mt. Inunaki, where you can write your wishes on wooden sticks and offer them to a sacred fire.

2. Experience the purification of negative karma and removal of obstacles through the symbolic act of burning the written wishes.

3. Relax and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of the Inunaki hot springs, located at the base of the sacred mountain.

4. Explore the syncretic spiritual traditions of Shugendo, which combine elements of Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, and mountain worship.

5. Receive skip-the-line access to the hot springs, allowing you to seamlessly transition from the Goma ritual to the soothing and restorative experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discover Ancient Goma Prayer Ritual

The essence of the Goma prayer ritual lies in its ancient roots within Shingon Buddhism. This esoteric practice is performed to purify negative karma, remove obstacles, and fulfill wishes.

Participants write their heartfelt desires on wooden sticks called Gomaki, which are then offered to a sacred fire. The ritual takes place in an outdoor setting or within a temple, evoking a sense of deep spirituality.

Through the symbolic act of burning the Gomaki, practitioners believe their wishes are carried to the divine. This age-old ceremony offers a transformative experience, allowing participants to connect with the spiritual realm and manifest their aspirations.

Shingon Buddhism in Mt. Inunaki

Mt. Inunaki is a sacred mountain in Japan, regarded as the birthplace of Shugendo, a form of esoteric Japanese Buddhism. This ancient tradition has deep roots in the region, with the mountain holding significant spiritual significance.

Shugendo combines elements of Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, and mountain worship. Practitioners, known as Yamabushi, undertake ascetic training and rituals on the mountain.

Mt. Inunaki is considered one of the oldest sacred mountains in Japan, dating back centuries. The Goma prayer ritual, a Shingon Buddhist practice, is performed on the mountain to purify negative karma and fulfill wishes.

Writing Wishes on Wooden Sticks

During the Goma prayer ceremony, participants are invited to write their wishes on wooden sticks known as Gomaki. These wooden sticks are a crucial part of the ritual, as they serve as a physical representation of the participants’ desires and aspirations.

Once the wishes are written, the Gomaki are offered to the sacred fire, with the belief that the flames will carry the hopes and dreams to the divine realm. This act of offering symbolizes the participants’ trust in the spiritual power of the ritual, as they seek to purify their negative karma and remove any obstacles that may stand in the way of their wishes being fulfilled.

Offering Gomaki to Sacred Fire

After writing their wishes on the wooden Gomaki sticks, participants then offer them to the sacred fire that burns brightly at the center of the Goma prayer ceremony.

As the sticks are fed to the flames, participants focus their intentions and energy, visualizing their desires being purified and granted. The rising smoke carries the wishes skyward, symbolizing their release into the universe.

This ritual is believed to have a powerful cleansing effect, removing obstacles and negativity while manifesting positive change.

• Participants offer wooden Gomaki sticks to sacred fire
• Sticks represent written wishes and intentions
• Flames purify and release the wishes into the universe
• Ritual believed to have a powerful cleansing effect

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Purifying Negative Karma and Obstacles

The Goma prayer ritual is believed to possess the power to purify negative karma and remove obstacles that hinder one’s spiritual and worldly progress. During the ceremony, participants write their wishes on wooden sticks called Gomaki. These offerings are then burned in a sacred fire, symbolizing the cleansing of negative energies and the fulfillment of desires.

The ritual is deeply rooted in Shingon Buddhism, which emphasizes the use of fire as a transformative element. By engaging in this ancient practice, participants seek to align themselves with the divine forces, paving the way for personal growth and the realization of their objectives.

Fulfilling Wishes Through Goma Prayer

Through the Goma prayer ritual, participants are able to channel their deepest wishes and aspirations. They’ll write their desires on wooden sticks, known as Gomaki, and offer them to the sacred fire. This ancient practice is believed to purify negative karma and remove obstacles, paving the way for fulfillment.

The ritual includes:

• Inscribing personalized wishes on Gomaki
• Placing the Gomaki in the sacred fire
• Meditating and reflecting on the release of negative energies
• Visualizing the manifestation of their aspirations

Ultimately, the Goma prayer provides a powerful opportunity for participants to align their intentions with the spiritual forces of Mount Inunaki.

Relaxing in Inunaki Hot Springs

Following the powerful and transformative Goma prayer ritual, visitors can relax and unwind in the healing waters of the Inunaki Hot Springs. The hot springs are located at the base of the sacred Mt. Inunaki, offering a tranquil epilogue to the spiritual experience.

Both indoor and outdoor baths are available, allowing visitors to soak in the mineral-rich waters while taking in the serene natural surroundings. The hot springs are known for their restorative properties, providing a soothing and rejuvenating experience after the intense Goma ceremony.

With skip-the-line access, participants can easily transition from the ritual to the relaxing hot springs, completing a well-rounded spiritual and wellness journey.

Logistics and Access Information

To access the Goma prayer experience and Inunaki Hot Springs, participants can conveniently book a small group tour limited to 8 people. Guests will receive skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The duration of the activity is approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to immerse in the spiritual ritual and relax in the healing waters. However, the tour doesn’t include bus fare, so you will need to purchase a 1-day free pass to reach the location.

• Small group tour limited to 8 participants
• Skip-the-line access through a separate entrance
• Duration of approximately 2 hours
• Participants need to purchase a 1-day free pass for transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Goma Prayer Ritual?

Photography is generally allowed during the Goma prayer ritual, but participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the ceremony. Cameras must be used discreetly, and flash photography may not be permitted to maintain the sacred atmosphere.

What Is the Dress Code for the Goma Prayer Experience?

The dress code for the Goma prayer experience is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear loose, modest clothing that allows for easy movement during the ritual. No special attire is required, but avoid anything too revealing or informal.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Wooden Sticks for the Ritual?

Participants are welcome to bring their own wooden sticks for the Goma prayer ritual. However, the hosts will also provide Gomaki, the traditional wooden sticks, for those who don’t have their own. It’s up to the participant’s preference.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Onsen Hot Springs Visit?

There are no specific dietary restrictions for the Inunaki Hot Springs visit. Participants can enjoy the healing waters without any dietary concerns, allowing them to fully relax after the Goma prayer ritual.

Can Participants Extend Their Stay at the Inunaki Hot Springs?

Participants can extend their stay at the Inunaki Hot Springs after the Goma prayer experience. The facility offers all-day access, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the healing waters for as long as they’d like.

Recap

The Goma Prayer Experience in Osaka offers a unique opportunity to engage with ancient Shingon Buddhist traditions. Visitors can write their wishes on wooden sticks, offer them to a sacred fire, and then unwind in the rejuvenating waters of the Inunaki Hot Springs. This immersive experience provides a harmonious balance of spiritual and physical well-being, allowing participants to purify negative karma and fulfill their aspirations.

You can check if your dates are available here: