The exhibition space in Japanese traditional guest room is called Tokonoma.
(Left side one step higher place with a hanging scroll and flowers)
Generally speaking,a room of Tokonoma is in north side of a house.
Tokonoma is best place to install Kamidana(Nature worship table) and Bursudan(Ancestor worship table).
Because the room is always clean and silent.
Kamidana example.
Kamidana example.
My Kamidana in US.
My Kamidana is simple but very effective.
Many people put extra things on Kamidana.
To invite nature gods of your neighborhood,please do not put extra things.
Because they can't visit there.
One water bowl in the middle and a pair of plants are enough.
These means one forest.
Plus,if you in Japan,please get Ofuda at the nearest Shinto shrine from your house.
Butsudan example.
Butsudan example.
There is a Kamidana above the Butsudan.
Too flashy.
You don't have to buy that gorgeous box because it is a kind of dirty business.
My Kamidana(left) and Butsudan(right).
We need to prepare different height tables for them
because they have different character of magnetism.
Please put these tables together if you can.
Because your ancestors visit Butsudan at ease during the ritual.
By the way,every morning,I take care Kamidana first.
Next is Butsudan.
And Floor care ritual is the last.
Please wash your face and hands,rinse your mouth before Kamidana ritual.
To respect spiritual guests.
Praying for ancestors is very important same as Kamidana.
Kamidana = Invitation table for local area nature gods who protect the area
Butsudan = Worship and healing place for your ancestors
These two are your root.
Prime God → The Universe → The Sun → The Earth → Nature → Human → Ancestors → Parents → You → Your children
Energy is always from upper side.
So,you need to thank every upper existence.
All things are connected by God.
All things already have the prime God's divinity.
I can tell you your nearest God is yourself,your parent,your kids and nature.
You have to thank your kids because they have all your ancestor's DNA.
We need to prepare different height tables for them
because they have different character of magnetism.
Example1
Example2
These illustrations are just ideal style.
You can arrange the rule by your housing situation.
If you can not have these in the same place, no problem.
Example3
Example4
Ideal and effective time zone for Butsudan ritual is until 10AM.
Because the Sun's rising power is good for the ritual.
Avoid late afternoon and evening time because it is very unstable time.(3-7PM/It depends on season)
You can do Butsudan ritual at night time.(After sunset-12PM)
If you are single or salaried worker,do Butsudan ritual in night time.
Because you need complete confirmation of the fire extinguishing of incenses.
Workers are busy in the morning.
Please set up your Kamidana and Butsudan in North or East side wall in the room.
Or North-East in the house.
(This is not a strict rule, just ideal way.My Butsudan is facing west because of my housing condition)
In other words,you face North or East side wall when you care kamidana and Butsudan.
Best place is North-East(KIMON) place in your house.
Especially Kamidana in Kimon protects your house well.
It will block evils.
Good incense,made in Awaji-shima island,Hyogo,Japan.
In Japanese mythology,Awaji-shima is known that the first island of Japan.
So,I was interested in the product and company.(Baikundo/English website)
70% of Japanese incenses are produced in Awaji-shima.
This box was my first purchase and these incenses are slightly longer than usual I used.
Longer sticks are effective.
Sometimes,Japanese people use very long incense like this.(Photos)
Length 30cm/Burn time 100min
These long incenses are for special day like a Obon week,Ohigan week,Winter and summer solstice,or death anniversary.
I sometimes buy American long incense.
