神道のレッスン一 (Shinto Lesson One)

神道のレッスン一

Shinto

Shintoism, also called kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spiritualism of Japan. Even though Shinto is considered a religion by most of the world, in actuality it is a set of practices incorporated into daily life. Shinto (神道), translated as “Way of the Gods”, is the study and reverence of kami (神).

Kami

The word kami is often translated into English as God or spirit. The term in actuality refers to the “spiritual essence” found in everything. These kami can take on many forms from human-like, to animistic, and even abstract “natural” forces. In ancient times people would build shrines that would house kami. At these shrines people would honor these spirits in return for safety, fortune, or good will. Over time some kami became more prominent than others, these major kami are included in such tales as the creation myth.

Shrines

Shinto shrines are found all over Japan and act as conduits for communication with the kami. These shrines can be small and simple or large and more complex. The shrines have purification rituals and are usually marked by the torii (鳥居). This gate symbolizes the transition from the profane into sacred realm of the shrine. Other common markers are statues such as the kitsune (狐, fox) statues found at the entrances of shrines dedicated to Inari Ōkami (稲荷大神).

So next time you see a torii gate look for the shrine nearby and pay that kami a visit. So until next time…

じゃね。