443 The Prayer of the Japanese

“The Prayer of the Japanese”

Japan has been a country of many natural disasters since ancient times,
Countless lives have been lost over and over again.
Earthquakes and tsunamis strike periodically,
And though the climate is mild, typhoons also assail the land.

Yet, water, salt, and the bounties of mountains and seas were also abundant,
Rich blessings bestowed by nature.
We fear it, but we also revere it.

Shinto was born from such an environment;
In the Jomon period, there is no trace of warfare for over 10,000 years.
That is because water and food were so plentiful.
People interacted to complement what each other lacked,
With no gap between the rich and the poor, there was no reason to fight.
The spirit of “Otangaisama” (we are in this together) and “Arigatashi” (gratefulness)
Was nurtured in this very way.

In ancient Shinto, nature itself was the object of worship,
But with the introduction of Buddhism in the Kofun period,
Shrines were built and religious rituals became more concrete.
Around the 7th to 9th centuries during the formation of the Ritsuryo state,
It evolved into the system of belief we see today.

The prayer of the Japanese is gratitude to the millions of gods,
Praying for the happiness of families, peace in the world, and a bountiful harvest.
Because gods dislike impurity, people cleanse their minds and bodies at the water purification pavilion.
Bowing deeply, clapping their hands, and putting their palms together.

That sight is beautiful beyond measure.