Roppōhai 六方拝: A Morning Ritual to Cultivate Good Fortune by Offering Gratitude to the Six Directions

Roppōhai: A Morning Ritual to Cultivate Good Fortune by Offering Gratitude to the Six Directions

We never live in isolation. Our lives are built upon a foundation of innumerable connections: the life passed down to us from our parents and ancestors, the wisdom and encouragement gifted by our teachers and friends, and the great bounty of nature that sustains us.

"Roppōhai" is a simple yet profoundly deep ritual of prayer that offers gratitude to the six directions radiating from oneself—East, West, South, North, Heaven, and Earth—and to the cherished people and elements that reside within each. This practice, which can be performed by anyone regardless of specific religion or creed, is a marvelous method of self-cultivation. By giving tangible form to a grateful heart, it purifies the spirit and steadily paves the way for greater fortune in one's daily life.

The Philosophy of Roppōhai

At the core of Roppōhai lies a sense of "oneness" with the universe and a "gratitude for being kept alive". In the quiet moments of the morning, this practice encourages a conscious re-examination of the connections to the world around us that often go unnoticed. This act liberates our perspective from the narrow confines of the "self" and awakens us to our place within the grand cycle of a much larger world.

Gratitude is said to possess the most powerful form of positive, or "yang," energy. By clearing the heart of negative, or "yin," energies like complaints and discontent and filling it with the positive energy of gratitude, the spirit stabilizes and one's perception of the world transforms for the better. An improvement in circumstances begins only after such a state of heart and mind is achieved. Roppōhai is not about passively waiting for good luck; it is an active art of cultivating the inner soil from which good fortune is invited to spring forth.

The Practice of Roppōhai

The ideal time to practice Roppōhai is in the morning at the start of your day, preferably in a quiet place where you can see the sky and feel the earth, such as outdoors or by an open window. Perform this ritual in the fresh air with a sincere and devoted heart.

1. Face the East The East is the direction of the rising sun and symbolizes all "beginnings". Here, you offer gratitude to your parents and ancestors, who are the roots of your being. Bow deeply and, either in your heart or in a soft voice, say:

"To my father, my mother, and all my ancestors, thank you for the precious gift of this life".

2. Face the South The South is the direction where the sun shines at its zenith and symbolizes "guidance" and "wisdom". Offer gratitude to the teachers you revere in life and to all the people and mentors who impart knowledge to you.

"To my teachers and to all who guide me, thank you for your constant and invaluable instruction".

3. Face the West The West is the direction of the setting sun, symbolizing "fruition" and "tranquility". Offer gratitude to your most intimate human connections: your spouse, family, siblings, and friends.

"To my wife (husband), my children, my siblings, and my friends, thank you for your unwavering support".

4. Face the North The North, a direction untouched by direct sunlight, maintains a quiet stillness and symbolizes "support" and "community". Offer gratitude to your colleagues at work, your neighbors, and all the people who assist you in your daily life.

"To my colleagues and all members of my community, thank you for your daily help and kindness".

5. Face the Heavens (Upward) The heavens are a symbol of the great existence that transcends us. Offer gratitude to the sun, the moon, the stars, and to all the workings of nature and the universe that sustain our lives. Raise your face to the sky and say:

"To the celestial beings, the sun, the moon, and the workings of all creation, thank you for keeping me alive".

6. Face the Earth (Downward) The Earth is the foundation upon which we stand and symbolizes all that is "fundamental". Offer gratitude to the very ground you are on, your workplace, your home, and to Mother Earth herself. Bring your awareness to your feet and bow deeply.

"To this sacred ground and the planet we inhabit, thank you for your constant and unmoving blessings".

By the time you complete your gratitude to these six directions, you will likely feel your mind washed with clarity and filled with a refreshing, pure energy. This simple daily habit, lasting only a few minutes, can become the cornerstone that harmonizes your relationships, improves your circumstances, and brings immeasurable richness to your life.