Japan is a land rich in culture, tradition, and spirituality.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture is the presence of a myriad of deities, known as kami, who are believed to inhabit every corner of the country.
Whether you seek guidance, protection, or blessings, there is always a God who can help you.
Understanding Goriyaku: The Unique Benefits of Each Shrine
Each Shinto shrine in Japan is dedicated to a specific deity and offers unique goriyaku (benefits). These blessings can range from success in business and academic achievement to health, love, and even safe travels. Understanding the specific goriyaku of a shrine can help you align your wishes with the deity’s mission, increasing the chances of your prayers being answered.
Choosing the Right Deity for Your Needs
Life is complex, and so are the challenges we face. This is why Japan has a multitude of deities, each addressing different aspects of life.
But how do you choose the right deity to ask for help? Here are some tips to guide you:
- Identify Your Needs: Reflect on what you truly desire or the problem you wish to solve.
- Research Shrines: Look into shrines that specialize in your specific need, whether it’s prosperity, health, love, or another area.
- Visit with Intention: Approach the shrine with a clear and respectful mind, ready to communicate your wish.
Building a Reciprocal Relationship with Deities
Deities in Japan are not merely wish-granters; they have their own missions and purposes.
To make your wish come true, you must also fulfill a mission that aligns with the deity’s values. This reciprocal relationship ensures that both parties achieve satisfaction and balance.
For example, if you seek blessings for academic success, dedicate yourself to diligent study as a way to honor the deity.
When your efforts and the deity’s blessings align, your goals are more likely to be achieved.
Start Your Journey with the God of Japan
Learning about Japanese deities is the first step toward receiving their blessings. By understanding their missions and aligning your actions with their values, you can make your days luckier, lead a fulfilling life, and contribute to a better society.
This article is for those who wish to:
- Fully receive the blessings of Japanese deities
- Improve their luck and lead a more fulfilling life
- Make a positive impact on their community and society
Embrace the spirituality of Japan and discover how these deities can guide you toward a brighter future. Whether you’re visiting Japan or simply exploring its rich culture, let the wisdom of the kami inspire you on your journey.
1. Japanese Religious Views and Reverence for Nature
Japanese tend to say that they are not religious.
This is partly because most do not pay much attention to the doctrines of Buddhism or the details of the dieties, kami, of the Shinto shrines they visit.
Basically Japanese are not exclusive when it comes to religion.
Kami, Buddhas and other spirits have riyaku, powers and benefits that can be passed on to human beings.
So most Japanese do not hesitate to pray to Shinto kami for health, visit Buddhist temples at New Years and be married in a Christian-style wedding ceremony.
They see no conflict in this at all.
However, it is important to realize that participation in such actions is rather casual.
I often said to my guests that ancient people had believed that myriad of dieties dwell in natural objects and the nature has supernatural power beyond the control of human beings.
This way of thinking was born from the natural surroundings of Japan.
Since the land area of Japan stretches about 3,500 km from north to south, nature and climate varies from place to place. Moreover, since Japan has four distinctive seasons, nature always looks different. Japanese always enjoy rich seasonal foods, events, and nature.
But at the same time, nature is often cruel.
Japanese people are afraid of many kinds of natural disasters, such as typhoons, floods, earthquakes, eruptions of volcanoes, landslides and tsunamis.
Japanese people’s nature worship also came from the long history of rice cultivation from the ancient times.
Raising rice is affected greatly by rainfall and sunshine.
Especially, water is important. However hard people work, if it doesn’t rain at all, they cannot harvest. Nature is something beyond the control of human beings.
Even today, a huge old tree or any other natural beauty reminds the Japanese people of something spiritual.
Even a giant rock is also considered to be a place where the gods would descend.
There are a myriad of natural objects as well as deities.
Actually, any of dieties in Shintoism are not omniscience and omnipotence, no Almighty God.
Since there are too many dieties, even Japanese do not know what they are and who they are. Many Japanese go to Shinto shrine for the first visit to the Shrine or temple on New Year’s Day. That is the only time for most of Japanese people to visit the Shrine of temple.
2. The Connection Between Shinto and Nature Worship
Shinto dieties can be categorized into two groups; nature and ancestors. Japanese shrines and Japanese Shinto are a combination of nature worship and ancestor worship.
Fushimiinari Taisha: In Japanese mythology, the deity of rice and harvest was called Ukanomitama-no-kami, who is enshrined at Inari shrines.
The benefit is support for food, clothing and shelter. Rice harvested from rice was a symbol of abundance and was widely worshipped as the god of rice and food, but over time it changed from the god of rice to the god of money.
Kashihara Jingu: This shrine is deeply connected to Emperor Jimmu, who is regarded as the first emperor of Japan.
Emperor Jinmu is blessed with good fortune in money and technological development.
３．How to get Goriyaku？
How to pray
There are different rules applied to how to pray at a temple and shrine.
The general way to pray at a shrine as follows;
- Toss a coin into an offering box called Saisen-bako
*Many people toss 5 yen coin since it is said to make a good relationship - Shake a rope to ring a bell (If there is no bell, you can skip this step)
- Bow deeply twice
- Clap your hands twice
- Pray and make a wish
*Put your hands together in front of your body - Bow deeply once again
Get your lucky item
Omamori
Omamori is a lucky charm you can get at shrines and temples.
People get it for a protection and making their wish comes true.
There are various types of Omamori ranging from the one wishing for the good health to romantic relationships.
Sometimes you see people attached Omamori with their bags and hanging it at the rearview mirror for a safe driving.
Many people get Omamori even though they are not religious.
It is one of the interesting culture of Japan!
Ema
Ema is a small wooden plate that you can get at shrines or temples in Japan.
It generally has a picture of a horse or Chinese zodiac, but there are many different patterns depending on the shrine.
There is even Ema with an anime character on it!
Kawai Shrine has been worshiped as a branch shrine of Shimogamo Shrine since ancient times, and is a shrine that attracts faith as the protector of women.
The deity worshipped is Tamayorihime, the mother of Emperor Jimmu, who is deeply revered as the “goddess of beauty” because she is as beautiful as a jewel.
Kawai Shrine offers hand-mirror-shaped votive plaques, called “Kagami Ema,” as prayer votive plaques for beauty.
On the back, you can write down your personal wishes and dedicate them to the shrine.
Originally people offered the real horse since the horse was believed to be a ride of deities.
But gradually the custom changed, and people started offering the horse statues.
Then, the custom has changed again. People started offering the picture of horse painted on the wooden pieces.
Today, you can find a number of Ema dedicated by visitors lining the shrine. If the shrine enshrines a deity of academics, you will find many Ema wishing to pass the entrance exam!
Embrace the Spiritual Journey
Japan’s rich tapestry of deities, shrines, and spiritual practices offers a unique opportunity to connect with something greater than ourselves.
Whether you’re seeking blessings for health, success, love, or simply exploring the beauty of Japanese culture, the kami are here to guide and inspire you.
As you visit shrines, reflect on your intentions, and align your actions with the values of the deities, you’ll not only open doors to blessings but also contribute to a deeper sense of purpose and
harmony in your life.
Take the first step on your spiritual journey and discover how the wisdom of Japan’s kami can illuminate your path.
Let the blessings of goriyaku enrich your life, and may your journey be filled with fortune and fulfillment.
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