Temple
and
Shrines
Temple
and
Shrines
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Here you will find information about temples and shrines in Japan.
It will help you when you travel or live in Japan.
Differences and Definitions between Temples and Shrines
The temple is Buddhist.
Buddhism was imported
into Japan from India and China.
To explain this
in an easy-to-understand manner
The place where the monk lives is a temple
and, there are Buddha statues and tombs.
The shrine is Shinto. Shinto is a religion of Japanese origin, and nature and specific people exist as gods.
To explain this in an easy-to-understand manner
The place where God lives is a shrine and there has a torii gate.
SHITI-FUKU-JIN
Rules
There is a mountain gate at the entrance of the temple.
In front of the mountain gate,
we will join hands and give a bow.
When you put your hands together at the temple,
don't make a noise.
Also, when passing through the mountain gate,
do not step on the threshold.
Women enter and exit with the right foot,
and men enter and exit with the left foot.
← There are few people who do this.
The shrine has a torii gate.
Let's bow and enter
before going through the torii gate.
The center is considered to be the path of God, so when you go, you walk on the bridge.
At the Chozuya, the hands and mouth are cleansed in the same manner as the temple.
If there is a bell, you can
ring it when you put in a gift.
How to worship at a shrine
Bow twice, clap your hands twice and bow once.
Hand washing manners
Chozuya(手水舎)
You have to wash your hands.
It is good manners at temple and shrines.
You hold the Hishaku in your right hand,
Sprinkle water on your left hand and then on your right hand
Then scoop water with your left hand and rinse your mouth
Wash the handle.
Explanation of the contents of the fortune
Omikuji is a type of fortune telling in which you ask the gods about your fortune and get an answer. The price is generally 200-300 yen. There are two ways to perform omikuji. You can either put money in a box or give it to a person at the shrines or temples.
Types of ways to draw fortunes
You can take a stick with a number written on it out of the tube and give it to the person at the shrine or temple. then the people give you your fortune.
You put your hand in and take out one of the fortunes that you feel destined for.
It is a formal style to take a fortune.
First of all, let's check your fortune. Your fortune can be categorized as "Dai-kichi," "Chu-kichi," "Sho-kichi," "Kichi," and so on.
If you get a good fortune, shout out loud and be happy. And if you get a big bad luck, purify yourself now and read the advice on the fortune carefully.
The details include a variety of items. For example, academics, relocation, marriage, health, and travel. The details are written below the items, so read them carefully and use them for your future life.
Most omikuji have a Japanese poem written on them. These are songs that were sung in Japan in the past. There are many kinds of waka, some of which are about loved ones, and some of which are about one's own actions. The omikuji you draw has something to do with you, so please enjoy reading the waka as well.
Result
大吉 /dai-kichi/ Very good.
中吉 /chu-kichi/ A little Good.
小吉 /shou-kichi/ Good.
吉 /kichi/ Normal.
末吉 /sue-kichi/ So-so.
凶 /kyo/ It is a little bad things.
学業 /gakugyou/ academics.
転居 /tenkyo/ relocotion
旅行 /ryokou/ travel
縁談 /endan/ offer of marriage
勝負 /shoubu/ victory or defeat
出産 /shussan/ childbirth
How to enjoy temples and shrines more
This is called
“omikuji” in Japanese.
I'll talk about the details of what's inside below.
This is called
"Goshuin"
You can get a stamp specific to that temple or shrine.
Some shrines and temples display a large Jizo or a big Buddha. It depends on what deity is being worshipped.
If you have a strong wish, you can write it on an Emma and leave it at the shrine.
For example, you may want to pass an exam or be united with the person you love. Others want to win the lottery or wish for world peace.
If you want to write a wish for anything, you can do so on your ema.
Many people write their resolutions for the year on New Year's Day.
Originally, people tied their omikuji to a tree to "tie their fate".
However, most people today tie their omikuji to a tree if it contains bad information.
If it contains good information, they put it in their wallet and take it home. It is said that it is good to reread your omikuji whenever you remember.
Thank you