"With the Divine Spirit of Asahi Hanasaki."

  Hello. The other day, I came across a video on a streaming site—I am not sure if it was hosted by a religious organization or a spiritual circle—that resembled a study group. The theme was "Those Summoned by Kannon (Avalokiteshvara)." Although it was a video format, there were no visuals, only audio. It was quite intriguing to me, primarily because the perspective shared was different from my own thoughts and reflections. If you were to ask people, "What kind of being is Kannon?", most would likely answer that she is a compassionate entity who rescues those in distress and grants prayers. Indeed, Buddhist monks convey Kannon’s existence in this manner, and it is described as such in parts of the Kannon Sutra. Today, I would like to write a little about the presence of Kannon, who is deeply close to our lives. First of all, when we say "Kannon," there are actually many manifestations, often referred to as "XX Kannon." For instance, mirroring the...

 Hello, everyone. Today, I would like to share a story about Nyonin Koya Muro-ji Temple , located in the serene mountains of Muro, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Since ancient times, Muro-ji has served as a vital site for solar worship. It was established as a "shingo-ji" (shrine-temple) for the nearby Muro Ryuketsu Shrine, which honors the Dragon God, the deity of water. It is a sacred place where nature and prayer have intertwined for millennia. I have visited Muro-ji countless times, not only for prayer but also to study and research the preservation of temples and shrines. One of my most vivid memories from decades ago was my first visit. Unaware of the layout, I found myself wandering up the stone staircase—all 720 steps of it—reaching the "Okunoin" (Inner Sanctuary). There, I met a staff member named Mr. Nakamura, who felt like a living incarnation of Kannon Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy). Though he has since retired, I believe he provided healing and comfort...

The Roots of Our Prayer: The Myth of "Kuni-yuzuri" and the Peaceful Legacy of the Jomon People “Ohomitakara ni itaru made, Kashikomi kashikomi mousu.” The word “Ohomitakara” refers to us—the people. It is a term used by the Emperor of Japan in his daily prayers to the deities. Within these words lies a profound and sincere wish: that every single citizen may live a life of peace, abundance, and tranquility. This is a sacred “Kotodama” (the spirit within words). But why does the Emperor pray so fervently for the happiness of the people? I believe the origin of this prayer can be found in the Japanese myth of “Kuni-yuzuri” (The Transfer of the Land). Today, I would like to explore our roots through the lens of this ancient story. 1. The Jomon People: A Peaceful People Who Bore No Weapons According to mythology, this land was once called Toyoashihara no Mizuho no Kuni —the Land of Abundant Reed Plains and Rich Rice Fields. It was inhabited by the descendants of the “Kunitsuka...

Hello, everyone. Let me start with a quick question: Have you ever heard the term “Onikku” ? Today, I’d like to dedicate this post to the concept of Onikku . In modern Jinja Shinto, there is a support system within many shrines known as the “Onikku-ko” or “Onikku-kai.” ### What is the Onikku System?   Essentially, it is a mutual support system where members contribute small amounts of money to cover the cost of the Omike (sacred food offerings)—such as rice, sake, and grains—that are presented to the deities every single day. While the contribution amount varies depending on the shrine, the average is roughly 5,000 yen per person per year . If you break that down into a daily cost, it’s only about 13 to 14 yen a day . I am personally very fond of this tradition. It allows us to participate in a ritual of gratitude for the "bountiful harvest"—the very foundation of our economy—by offering fresh rice, water, and sake to the divine. The Original "Investment Fund"? I...

Shrine maidens cleaning the grounds of the shrine Hello. When we speak of "conscience," most of us—myself included—tend to view it through the lens of duality: good versus evil, or a "good heart" versus a "bad heart." However, upon deeper reflection, it seems that conscience is something that transcends this simple binary. We often hear phrases like, "It is important to act according to one’s conscience," or "If you consult your conscience, you will understand." But if conscience were not something universal, shared by everyone, then individual differences would arise, and we would eventually lose sight of what "conscience" truly is. It may sound as if I am studying for a legal exam, but my point is this: I believe conscience is not merely a tool for judging whether an event is "right" or "wrong." To me, it feels like something far more simple, rustic, and pure. To put it simply, I understand it as a "...

  Hello, everyone. I have written about the youth of today on this blog before. In society, we often hear people grumbling about "young people these days," but there is no need to worry. People have been saying the exact same thing since the era of Ancient Egypt, so we don't need to pay it any mind. When I look at the youth today, I am genuinely impressed by how many remarkable individuals there are. They are polite, kind, and seem to possess very little ego or greed. I have great expectations that the current teenagers, as they enter their twenties, will become the force that leads the world forward. I am not joking; I truly believe this. This generation does not know much luxury, nor do they seem interested in social status. Furthermore, many of these children have experienced or witnessed the gap between the rich and the poor. Even if they haven't experienced it personally, they have a visceral sense of the reality around them—seeing friends who cannot afford schoo...