Inori no Mori祈りの杜working title

Read, reflect, pray

On this journey: waka

このたびはこのたびは

Sugawara no Michizane

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Poem and reading aid

このたびは

konotabiha

ぬさもとりあへず

nusamotoriahezu

たむけ山(やま)

tamuke yama

紅葉(もみぢ)の錦(にしき)

momijino nishiki

神(かみ)のまにまに

kaminomanimani

How to use the Roman letters

Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.

You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.

Meaning in English

On this journey I could not prepare the ritual offerings. I offer instead the brocade of autumn leaves on Mount Tamuke: receive them as you will, O kami.

Background and attribution

The headnote places the poem on a journey to Nara accompanying the retired Emperor Uda. The autumn leaves become a metaphorical offering. The kami addressed is distinct from the poet Michizane.

The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.

Connected figures

Sources and edition (4)

English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.

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