Truly, truly beautiful... in heart, mind... and word.
Thank you for beginning this journey to share your experiences, thoughts, and feelings with this beautiful path. I, for one, love how you put things so beautifully into words for us who, for the moment, can only really read English! <333
Thank you so much. Before I publish a post, I always feel nervous because I never know how English speakers will receive my writing. That’s why hearing your kind thoughts means so much to me—it truly puts my mind at ease.
If I can share even a small part of the quiet, gentle, and beautiful world of Shinto that I experience in my daily life, I’ll be very happy.
So much I feel a kinship to as a Heathen polytheist and animist, and while not every concept translates 1:1, I found myself smiling a lot in recognition of my own religion and pathways within it.
A part that struck me particularly deep was here:
"that words possess kotodama, the sacred spirit within language."
As a Heathen who looks to Old Norse myth and language to provide guidance on how to relate, as a kind of map to the territory, this hit me deep. It also struck me how like my understanding this is of Runes, in that I understand Them as vættir, spirits, and that They are this *in addition* to being a system of writing, sounds, culture concepts, and magic.
Thank you for your comment. The study of writing systems is endless and so much fun, isn’t it? In Japan, children begin learning “shosha” (calligraphy practice) in elementary school, where they write characters slowly and mindfully using a brush. This gives us the opportunity to focus our attention on each character—its form, its origin, and the power it may hold.
Through this kind of hands-on, embodied practice, we can reflect on the origins of the characters and the spiritual energy embedded within them. I feel that this is a very Japanese—and Shinto—way of connecting with the sacred.
I believe many indigenous animistic traditions around the world have similar ways of engaging with the spiritual through everyday practice. I look forward to learning more about those paths that I have yet to encounter.
The "shosha" sounds like something we could definitely benefit from here in the United States. Gods, anything that encourages us to slow down and do things *mindfully* would be great. A lot of how we are taught to write and think about writing is in almost purely utilitarian terms -how to write the most you can in the shortest amount of time from thought to product.
I really enjoy that it is a powerfully embodied way of interacting with the sacred and spiritual energy. Maybe it is because of how I was taught English, but I find that far easier to think about with regards to the Runes than my everyday writing, with exceptions for when I am writing things like sacred poetry. Thank you. That has given some more things to think on.
I think you nailed it regarding how animistic traditions around the world engage with the spiritual through everyday practice. While not indigenous, the way my family embodies Heathenry is through things like mindfulness when we eat or how we plant our gardens.
The way you describe kamisama and Shinto is so poetic and such a delight to read! I look forward to seeing more posts from you!
I do have one theoretical question, that maybe you'll answer in a later writing:
Do you think it would ever become possible for Norito to be written in another language and offered to the kami?
As Shinto spreads and we have shrines in Brazil, America, Thailand, Netherlands etc... I sometimes wonder if it will evolve to have vernacular alongside the original Japanese similar to the Latin Mass vs the Vernacular.
Thank you so much for your comment! I completely agree with your perspective—like you, I believe that norito (Shinto prayers) may evolve to include both the original Japanese and vernacular languages.
Shrines are deeply connected to the local land and climate. Offerings to the kami are made using food grown in that region, and by sharing those offerings with the kami, we enter into communion with them. Language—especially as sound—is also a part of that local environment. So to me, offering prayers in the local language feels like a very natural expression of that relationship.
At the same time, I believe it’s equally important to continue reciting norito in classical Japanese, so we don’t lose sight of the original concept and spirit behind these rituals. Both can coexist, each honoring the kami in its own meaningful way.
Kami, and all deities of all traditions, indeed do not need a specific language to communicate in. As you say they communicate in intentions and feelings. So one must first of all be pure in heart and mind.
But I believe that since all, well most, spiritual practices of the world are by default local, one should use the ancient language of the region. For example, I cannot imagine someone who wants to pay respects or 'pray' to Ancient Greek godess Athena Nike to do it in english. It somehow seems 'off'. There is absolutely no problem whatsoever if he does - eg he might not know Ancient Greek - it just seem a bit strange.
One should put the effort to communicate with the kami in the language of their tradition, namely yamato kotoba. Skilfully or poorly it doesn’t matter, if their intention and practice is pure.
Thank you for your comment! I truly appreciate your view that spiritual practices should use the ancient language of their region. I believe this attitude reflects respect not only for Shinto, but for spiritual traditions across the world, and that this will become all the more important in the future.
Regarding language, I wanted to hear the views of priests other than myself. So, I first asked my friend who is an Austrian Shinto priest. He said, “I think it’s perfectly fine for people to write ema (votive plaques) in foreign languages. However, when it comes to norito—prayers offered by priests as specialists at the altar—I believe they should be recited in the ancient language, following the style of the Engishiki prayers.”
He shared the reasons for his view with great care, and what he said moved me deeply. I’d like to take time to reflect on it calmly, and introduce his thoughts properly in a future post. Of course, there are also specialists in norito whom I hope to consult and share their insights too.
In this way, I believe norito should continue to be recited in the ancient language, as they have been for over 1,500 years. It feels only natural that we should continue this tradition. As you rightly point out, for those who practice Shinto, making the effort to address the kami in Yamato kotoba is important, and as the years of practice accumulate, it becomes something they can do quite naturally. Of course, this is not something that can be achieved overnight—it takes long, long years of dedication.
As for ema, these are, from the long perspective of Shinto history, a relatively new custom. They have a freshness about them, like a traveler leaving behind a message or a wish in the spirit of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. In the Edo period, there was even a tradition called sangaku where mathematicians would write challenging geometry problems on ema and hang them at shrines, and others would respond with solutions on their own plaques. So, ema also served as a kind of message board, a communication between people, as well as a way for the problem setter to say, “I want the kami to see this good problem,” and for the solver to say, “I want the kami to see my answer.”
This is less about formal spiritual practice and more about a friendly, everyday part of life. That’s why, when it comes to ema, I personally feel that people should write whatever they wish, in the language they can express themselves best! That’s just my view, of course.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and universal prayer.
“May all beings in the world be happy”—this sentiment echoes so deeply with the spirit of Shinto as well, where harmony (wa) and reverence for all life are cherished.
May your offering reach far and wide, touching hearts and kami alike.
Thank you! I’m so glad that phrase resonated with you. I truly believe that even the smallest rituals—when done with care and intention—can gently shift the world toward something more beautiful, one moment at a time.
It is possible Kami only read the language of their nation, as they are closely tied to the nature of their land. But given they are supernatural beings, it could be they understand prayers not because the words written down on paper, but the desire within the heart of the petitioner.
You’re absolutely right. In Shinto, there are many ways for humans to communicate with the kami beyond words. For example: bowing, clapping, dance, gagaku (court music), or sharing offerings of food and drink with the deities. I’ll be sharing more about these Shinto forms of expression in my future posts
"I sense that the kami, too, are wanderers—curious beings who slip beyond the shrine’s walls to stroll through the world. They are not bound by borders, nor limited by time."
This bit really touched me. I feel the same as you do, and his was such a beautiful way to phrase it. When I visited the grounds of many jinja, and read over the words from visitors in many languages on the walls full of ema, it sometimes brought me to tears. To manifest, to lay our hearts' desire in the hands of the universe and hope...it is something very beautiful to me, to know those energies all dwell together in the homes of the kami and greet them each day. The profound feeling of it was very evident on my journey and very meaningful to me.
That line—‘all those energies dwelling together in the presence of the kami and greeting them each day’—is exactly what I wanted to express! I’m so happy you put it into words so clearly.
It’s also a beautiful sight to see the energies of people who have never met resonating harmoniously together on the ema display.
I was truly moved by your genuine sensitivity. Thank you！
I really enjoyed reading this, thank you so much. As someone who is not Japanese but very interested in Shinto and Japanese folklore and culture, I appreciate your willingness to share your insights.
Before publishing my first post, I had no idea whether my humble experiences would be of any value to anyone, so receiving your kind feedback truly makes me happy.
Thank you for sharing a well crafted post. I do seem to resonate with some similarities with what little I know about Shinto. Looking forward to reading more.🙏
Thank you for reading. Shinto is simply a way of living that has existed in Japan for generations.If the subtle vibrations of Shinto behavior resonate with you—or even if they don’t—I hope you’ll feel free to engage with it at your own comfortable pace!
Truly, truly beautiful... in heart, mind... and word.
Thank you for beginning this journey to share your experiences, thoughts, and feelings with this beautiful path. I, for one, love how you put things so beautifully into words for us who, for the moment, can only really read English! <333
Thank you so much. Before I publish a post, I always feel nervous because I never know how English speakers will receive my writing. That’s why hearing your kind thoughts means so much to me—it truly puts my mind at ease.
If I can share even a small part of the quiet, gentle, and beautiful world of Shinto that I experience in my daily life, I’ll be very happy.
So wonderfully written and very true ! 🙏
Thank you very much！
I found myself nodding throughout reading this.
So much I feel a kinship to as a Heathen polytheist and animist, and while not every concept translates 1:1, I found myself smiling a lot in recognition of my own religion and pathways within it.
A part that struck me particularly deep was here:
"that words possess kotodama, the sacred spirit within language."
As a Heathen who looks to Old Norse myth and language to provide guidance on how to relate, as a kind of map to the territory, this hit me deep. It also struck me how like my understanding this is of Runes, in that I understand Them as vættir, spirits, and that They are this *in addition* to being a system of writing, sounds, culture concepts, and magic.
Thank you for your comment. The study of writing systems is endless and so much fun, isn’t it? In Japan, children begin learning “shosha” (calligraphy practice) in elementary school, where they write characters slowly and mindfully using a brush. This gives us the opportunity to focus our attention on each character—its form, its origin, and the power it may hold.
Through this kind of hands-on, embodied practice, we can reflect on the origins of the characters and the spiritual energy embedded within them. I feel that this is a very Japanese—and Shinto—way of connecting with the sacred.
I believe many indigenous animistic traditions around the world have similar ways of engaging with the spiritual through everyday practice. I look forward to learning more about those paths that I have yet to encounter.
You are welcome. It really is fun!
The "shosha" sounds like something we could definitely benefit from here in the United States. Gods, anything that encourages us to slow down and do things *mindfully* would be great. A lot of how we are taught to write and think about writing is in almost purely utilitarian terms -how to write the most you can in the shortest amount of time from thought to product.
I really enjoy that it is a powerfully embodied way of interacting with the sacred and spiritual energy. Maybe it is because of how I was taught English, but I find that far easier to think about with regards to the Runes than my everyday writing, with exceptions for when I am writing things like sacred poetry. Thank you. That has given some more things to think on.
I think you nailed it regarding how animistic traditions around the world engage with the spiritual through everyday practice. While not indigenous, the way my family embodies Heathenry is through things like mindfulness when we eat or how we plant our gardens.
The way you describe kamisama and Shinto is so poetic and such a delight to read! I look forward to seeing more posts from you!
I do have one theoretical question, that maybe you'll answer in a later writing:
Do you think it would ever become possible for Norito to be written in another language and offered to the kami?
As Shinto spreads and we have shrines in Brazil, America, Thailand, Netherlands etc... I sometimes wonder if it will evolve to have vernacular alongside the original Japanese similar to the Latin Mass vs the Vernacular.
Anyways thanks again, this was wonderful to read.
Thank you so much for your comment! I completely agree with your perspective—like you, I believe that norito (Shinto prayers) may evolve to include both the original Japanese and vernacular languages.
Shrines are deeply connected to the local land and climate. Offerings to the kami are made using food grown in that region, and by sharing those offerings with the kami, we enter into communion with them. Language—especially as sound—is also a part of that local environment. So to me, offering prayers in the local language feels like a very natural expression of that relationship.
At the same time, I believe it’s equally important to continue reciting norito in classical Japanese, so we don’t lose sight of the original concept and spirit behind these rituals. Both can coexist, each honoring the kami in its own meaningful way.
Thank you for your beautiful reflections on the meaning of Shinto. It is very special to learn about a tradition from someone inside that tradition.
Reading your comment, I suddenly realized, “Oh, I’m someone who lives within a tradition.”
It’s nice to me. Thank you.
Thank you for your post.
Kami, and all deities of all traditions, indeed do not need a specific language to communicate in. As you say they communicate in intentions and feelings. So one must first of all be pure in heart and mind.
But I believe that since all, well most, spiritual practices of the world are by default local, one should use the ancient language of the region. For example, I cannot imagine someone who wants to pay respects or 'pray' to Ancient Greek godess Athena Nike to do it in english. It somehow seems 'off'. There is absolutely no problem whatsoever if he does - eg he might not know Ancient Greek - it just seem a bit strange.
One should put the effort to communicate with the kami in the language of their tradition, namely yamato kotoba. Skilfully or poorly it doesn’t matter, if their intention and practice is pure.
Thank you for your comment! I truly appreciate your view that spiritual practices should use the ancient language of their region. I believe this attitude reflects respect not only for Shinto, but for spiritual traditions across the world, and that this will become all the more important in the future.
Regarding language, I wanted to hear the views of priests other than myself. So, I first asked my friend who is an Austrian Shinto priest. He said, “I think it’s perfectly fine for people to write ema (votive plaques) in foreign languages. However, when it comes to norito—prayers offered by priests as specialists at the altar—I believe they should be recited in the ancient language, following the style of the Engishiki prayers.”
He shared the reasons for his view with great care, and what he said moved me deeply. I’d like to take time to reflect on it calmly, and introduce his thoughts properly in a future post. Of course, there are also specialists in norito whom I hope to consult and share their insights too.
In this way, I believe norito should continue to be recited in the ancient language, as they have been for over 1,500 years. It feels only natural that we should continue this tradition. As you rightly point out, for those who practice Shinto, making the effort to address the kami in Yamato kotoba is important, and as the years of practice accumulate, it becomes something they can do quite naturally. Of course, this is not something that can be achieved overnight—it takes long, long years of dedication.
As for ema, these are, from the long perspective of Shinto history, a relatively new custom. They have a freshness about them, like a traveler leaving behind a message or a wish in the spirit of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. In the Edo period, there was even a tradition called sangaku where mathematicians would write challenging geometry problems on ema and hang them at shrines, and others would respond with solutions on their own plaques. So, ema also served as a kind of message board, a communication between people, as well as a way for the problem setter to say, “I want the kami to see this good problem,” and for the solver to say, “I want the kami to see my answer.”
This is less about formal spiritual practice and more about a friendly, everyday part of life. That’s why, when it comes to ema, I personally feel that people should write whatever they wish, in the language they can express themselves best! That’s just my view, of course.
This is such a beautiful meditation on the power of words-no words, place and spirit.
Thank you so much — I’m grateful that these small reflections resonated with you.
🌿 Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu 🌿 (オム ローカ サマスタ スキノ バヴァントゥ)
「世界のすべての存在が幸せでありますように。」 (Sekai no subete no sonzai ga shiawase de arimasu yō ni.)
Translation: “May all beings in the world be happy.”
✨ Blessed by the harmony of ancient wisdom ✨ 🙏 Offered to the spirit of peace, unity, and happiness 🙏
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and universal prayer.
“May all beings in the world be happy”—this sentiment echoes so deeply with the spirit of Shinto as well, where harmony (wa) and reverence for all life are cherished.
May your offering reach far and wide, touching hearts and kami alike.
"small rituals that nudge reality towards beauty" is a wonderful phrasing
Thank you! I’m so glad that phrase resonated with you. I truly believe that even the smallest rituals—when done with care and intention—can gently shift the world toward something more beautiful, one moment at a time.
It is possible Kami only read the language of their nation, as they are closely tied to the nature of their land. But given they are supernatural beings, it could be they understand prayers not because the words written down on paper, but the desire within the heart of the petitioner.
You’re absolutely right. In Shinto, there are many ways for humans to communicate with the kami beyond words. For example: bowing, clapping, dance, gagaku (court music), or sharing offerings of food and drink with the deities. I’ll be sharing more about these Shinto forms of expression in my future posts
"I sense that the kami, too, are wanderers—curious beings who slip beyond the shrine’s walls to stroll through the world. They are not bound by borders, nor limited by time."
This bit really touched me. I feel the same as you do, and his was such a beautiful way to phrase it. When I visited the grounds of many jinja, and read over the words from visitors in many languages on the walls full of ema, it sometimes brought me to tears. To manifest, to lay our hearts' desire in the hands of the universe and hope...it is something very beautiful to me, to know those energies all dwell together in the homes of the kami and greet them each day. The profound feeling of it was very evident on my journey and very meaningful to me.
That line—‘all those energies dwelling together in the presence of the kami and greeting them each day’—is exactly what I wanted to express! I’m so happy you put it into words so clearly.
It’s also a beautiful sight to see the energies of people who have never met resonating harmoniously together on the ema display.
I was truly moved by your genuine sensitivity. Thank you！
I really enjoyed reading this, thank you so much. As someone who is not Japanese but very interested in Shinto and Japanese folklore and culture, I appreciate your willingness to share your insights.
Thank you for your comment.
Before publishing my first post, I had no idea whether my humble experiences would be of any value to anyone, so receiving your kind feedback truly makes me happy.
I'm so glad. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts, I really appreciate your work and willingness to share.
I loved your quiet, confident style of writing. Thanks.
Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for sharing a well crafted post. I do seem to resonate with some similarities with what little I know about Shinto. Looking forward to reading more.🙏
Thank you for reading. Shinto is simply a way of living that has existed in Japan for generations.If the subtle vibrations of Shinto behavior resonate with you—or even if they don’t—I hope you’ll feel free to engage with it at your own comfortable pace!