WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -harai, also spelled Harae, Barai, or Barae, in Japanese religion, any of numerous Shintō purification ceremonies. Harai rites, and similar misogi exercises using water, cleanse the individual so that he may approach a deity or sacred power (kami).

Detailed explanation-2: -Harae or harai ( or ) is the general term for ritual purification in Shinto. Harae is one of four essential elements involved in a Shinto ceremony. The purpose is the purification of pollution or sins (tsumi) and uncleanness (kegare).

Detailed explanation-3: -Shinto does not accept that human beings are born bad or impure; in fact Shinto states that humans are born pure, and sharing in the divine soul. Badness, impurity or sin are things that come later in life, and that can usually be got rid of by simple cleansing or purifying rituals.

Detailed explanation-4: -A well-known purification ritual is Shubatsu. Shubatsu is the act of sprinkling salt on priests, worshippers, or the ground in order to purify it. It also consists of an incantation and the use of an onusa-a purification wand.