Kuji-in - Meanings in Shinto

Meanings in Shinto

Each word is translated to the following meaning for Shinto.

• Rin: To face.
• kyō /Hyō/Hei: The soldier.
• Tōh: To fight.
• Sha: The man (or the people); a foe
• Kai: The all, or the whole effect, or whole effort.
• Jin: In Formation, or position in camp or to prepare.
• Retsu: To move in column or a row, in a line; or marching, or to focus.
• Zai: To appear, or to exist to make yourself known, or create existence.
• Zen: To be in front. or show up in front.

Kuji-in is used as part of a ritual in Shinto, and is used to purify a person with a waterfall.

RIN
STRENGTH OF MIND AND BODY
At first this may appear to be physical strength and mental intellect but maybe we can think of this as being physically well and having a positive outlook.
Middle fingers extended, others interlocked.

PYO
DIRECTION OF ENERGY
To begin this may seem to refer to directing your energies into work but later it could be that you see it as a way of directing your internal energy to increase your inner power.
Index fingers and thumbs extended, middle fingers curled over index fingers. Others interlocked.

TOH
HARMONY WITH THE UNIVERSE
This can work on many levels from learning to live in peace with mankind and the animal kingdom to being at one with yourself.
Last two fingers extended to form a V (tips touching). Thumbs extended, others interlocked.

SHA
HEALING OF SELF AND OTHERS
The ability to heal is more powerful than the ability to kill. When you sense your inner power you will no longer succumb to viruses and other ailments. A word to those that would use their powers to harm others: "It is easy to kill a man, but could you watch one die?" Index fingers and thumbs extended, others interlocked.

KAI
PREMONITION OF DANGER
If this cut is fully achieved you may find that you can feel the emotions of others (even at a distance) which can aid in knowing how others will react in a given situation.
All fingers interlocked.

JIN
KNOWING THOUGHTS OF OTHERS
I believe that this cut increases your ability to "feel" the thoughts of others. When your are adept at this power you can hide your thoughts and feelings from others.
All fingers interlocked inwards.

RETSU
MASTERY OF SPACE AND TIME
Think of this... Have you ever noticed how the day has passed quickly for others but has taken an age for you?. Everybody has the ability to control their own "time". With this power one could use it to easily defeat an opponent.
Index finger of left hand pointing up with the fingers of the right hand curling round it. The thumb of the right hand should be pressed against the outside edge of the nail on the index finger of the left hand).

ZAI
CONTROL OF THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE
Can one truly control nature? Maybe the real answer is that a Ninja understands nature and works with it.
Fingers outspread, palms out. Index fingers and thumbs touching.

ZEN
ENLIGHTENMENT
Know yourself before you ask "Who are you?"
Right hand covering Left hand. Thumb tips touching.