The night sky becomes brighter as the clouds vanish, revealing the Moon Goddess Hitomi in her full radiance. Near the gate, Denbe is performing his duty as a yojimbo by standing watch over the Estate's perimeter. In the Temple Pavilion, Kitsu Hajime is cleaning up the last of the tea set and sweeping the tatami. The Temple will be ready for worship when visitors come at the break of dawn.
Just as the priest has completed his work, delicate steps can be heard at the pavilion's entrance, announcing the arrival of Lady Setsuko.
Setsuko
Setsuko approaches Kitsu Hajime after the conversation that he had with Bayushi Akinaru and places a hand on his shoulder with a timid smile.
Kitsu-San, you have shown yourself to be of much prowess in matters of spirituality and I would greatly like to call on your gifts now. As you may have heard, one of my elder brothers have left this world. I would dearly like to pray for my brother with you and learn how best to pray for my dearly departed. And perhaps also get to know a little the samurai who is able to contend with Hida Sae... she smiles again and looks almost over awed, if that is alright with you, esteemed Kitsu-San.
And I was also wondering if you could help me pray to my ancestors. I have been considering learning a new school, like duellist or archer and would like to be guided at least in part by my ancestors...
Hajime
Quite a contrast from my wife, thought the Kitsu. Clearly, this was a woman of Quality that we have here; well bred, frail, delicate, charming and witty. As it should be. The Bayushi courtier was the complete opposite of his Sae. The complete opposite, indeed... Oh why had my parents matched me with Hida Sae? This reminded him painfully that he could have been paired with a much better bride... At Setuko's touch, the priest melts. He is a married man, but clearly this is not a concern to him at this time, allowing her hand to linger on a bit longer that what would be considered proper. Then, as he is suddenly reminded that he is in a temple, the Kitsu slips back into his role as priest and the breaks contact to turns to face Setsuko.
"You grace us by your presence, Lady Setsuko" says Hajime as he politly bows in greeting.
I am sorry to hear about your brother, please accept my sincere condolences. Perhaps, it is as you say, and I can guide you in offering your respects to your dearly departed brother. In this way, he would be properly honoured in Yomi, the Realm of the Blessed Ancestors. There is a ritual that I will teach you, and that will allow you to enter in contact with the spirits of the Ancestors. This ritual is surprisingly simple, as you will soon learn.
With a sweep of his arm, the Kitsu indicates the Altar crowded with the paintings, statuette and of various offerings.
First, if possible, create a likeness of your Ancestor. A painting or a statue is good for this purpose. Actually, a small statuette would perhaps be best, as it is far more portable and durable during our travels. Ideally, you will deposit the likeness of your brother at an altar dedicated to the Ancestors, just like we have here in this pavilion. But that is not compulsory, as you can offer your devotions almost anywhere.
Hajime pauses to indicating a delicate vase filled with fragrant sticks of incense.
When the time comes for you to offer your prayers, light a few sticks. Also, depositing an offering of fruit before the likeness of your Ancestor is a gesture that is always appreciated. Some Ancestors like offerings of sake too, and some like poems, while others prefer flowers or paintings. If possible, always offer them their favourite things and they will be most grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Then comes the time for prayer. This takes many forms. Some will offer formal prayers. For others, it will be an recounting of the day's accomplishments; in this way, Ancestors can hear you, and perhaps even offer you some wise counsel. Offering the prayer is not always as easy as it might seem. It takes some form of mental discipline to properly accomplish the rite, as you must stand long hours before the altar, with no apparent results. If you have trouble with keeping your focus, come to me and I will give you some further advice.
For your devotions to be effective, this Ritual of Ancestral worship should be accomplished regularly at least once a week, and for about an hour's time. The temple here is open to everyone, every day of the week, and at all hours. During the night, the lantern outside will light the path leading from the main villa to the Temple Pavilion. Sometime, in the middle of the night, when doubt assails us, it is always good to come visit the Ancestors for comfort and advice.
Every day, at the break of dawn, I come here to offer my respects to the Ancestors in a formal ceremony. You are welcome to join with the others if you wish. Or you can come here at some quieter moment in the day if you prefer greater intimacy with your Ancestors.