In Japan, spirituality and religion hold a significant place in both cultural and daily life. Understanding some key terms can enhance your experience and comprehension whether you’re visiting temples, participating in festivals, or engaging in conversations with locals about spiritual topics. Here, we’ll explore essential Japanese words and phrases used in spiritual and religious contexts.
神社 (じんじゃ) – Shinto Shrine
This is a place of worship in the Shinto religion, indigenous to Japan, where kami (spirits, gods) are enshrined.
明日、地元の神社に参拝しに行きます。
お寺 (おてら) – Buddhist Temple
Similar to a shrine, a temple is a religious site where people go to worship, but it is associated with Buddhism.
昨日、京都の古いお寺を訪れました。
神 (かみ) – God or deity in Shinto
Kami are the spirits or phenomena that are worshipped in the Shinto religion. They can be elements of the landscape, forces of nature, or beings.
この神社は海の神を祀っています。
仏 (ほとけ) – Buddha or Buddhist deity
This term refers to a Buddha image or a Buddhist deity. It is also used colloquially to refer to deceased spirits.
家の仏壇には先祖の仏があります。
祈る (いのる) – To pray
This verb is used in both religious and secular contexts to mean the act of praying or wishing.
毎晩、健康を祈っています。
お経 (おきょう) – Buddhist sutra
These are the sermons or teachings of the Buddha that are chanted during religious ceremonies.
お経を上手に唱えることができます。
巫女 (みこ) – Shrine maiden
A young woman who assists in the rituals and maintenance of a Shinto shrine.
巫女が舞を披露しているのを見ました。
修行 (しゅぎょう) – Ascetic practices
This refers to the spiritual training and disciplines practiced by monks or spiritual practitioners.
彼は山で修行を積んでいます。
戒名 (かいみょう) – Posthumous Buddhist name
A name given to someone when they die, used in funerals and memorial services, reflecting the Buddhist belief in rebirth.
戒名はその人の生き方を象徴しています。
御朱印 (ごしゅいん) – Temple seal stamp
Collected by visitors to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, these stamps are typically written in calligraphy and are collected in special books as a memento of the visit.
今日、素敵な御朱印をもらいました。
法話 (ほうわ) – Buddhist sermon
A talk given by a monk or priest on Buddhist doctrine and practice to educate and inspire practitioners.
今朝の法話は心に残りました。
護摩 (ごま) – Fire ritual
A ritual in esoteric Buddhism involving the burning of wooden sticks to invoke divine help or to burn away impurities.
護摩を行うことで心が浄化されると言われています。</font color
数珠 (じゅず) – Buddhist prayer beads
Used in prayer and meditation, these beads help practitioners keep count of the number of times a mantra is recited.
数珠を使って毎日瞑想しています。
お盆 (おぼん) – Obon Festival
A Buddhist event commemorating one’s ancestors, where people believe that their spirits return to this world to visit their relatives.
お盆には家族が集まります。</font color
精進料理 (しょうじんりょうり) – Buddhist vegan cuisine
A type of vegetarian cooking that originated from the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks.
精進料理は体にも良いとされています。</font color
Understanding these terms will not only deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture and spirituality but also enhance your ability to engage meaningfully in discussions and experiences related to Japan's rich religious heritage. Whether visiting a shrine during a festival, enjoying the quiet reflection of a temple, or participating in a local Obon celebration, these words will help bridge the gap between being a spectator and an active participant in these cultural events.
