For the sake of clarity, and understanding, why don't we just all stand up and say

[AsahinaKimi]

35. I am Shinto~Buddhist. (Jodo Shinshu)

Last edited Sat Mar 23, 2013, 02:43 PM - Edit history (2)

I have stated this often. I am not practicing, but I am exploring more about Shinto then Buddhism at the moment. In Japan, people tend to be more superstitious then grounded in Religion. Shinto does apply to everyday life in Japan, in behavior, and as the language is based on levels of politeness adds to the culture in many rich ways. Even the simple act of saying of "itadakimasu" before eating is traditional. It is a way of thanking those who provide the food and those who grow it.

The stories I post on Japanese folk tales allow me to learn more about the people of those early days, as much as their beliefs. The stories are entertaining as well. Sometimes one can find a lesson or two, about how people can be, to each other. Its no ways a perfect thing, but life is never perfect. Do Rocks and trees, mountains and brooks have their own spirits? Perhaps not..but I believe something is there. I love the traditions and culture of my roots.. and though I may question some things, I can still appreciate what has been passed down generation to generation from the early days when the first Asian people crossed the Sea of Japan and found their ways onto a small island.

IT was once told to me, that when a master sword maker, forged a Nihon Tou.. Katana, that they used heat and water to help create the perfect sword. The story of how, when a master sword maker dips the hot metal into water, one could hear the screaming sound. Many at the time, reflected that this sound came from the soul of a long dead warrior, and who became one with the metal of the sword, so when a Samurai went into battle, it was not just him.. but the spirit of another Samurai ancestor with him. This is why one often finds that old swords do have names. The sword maker chose the name of the spirit that entered into the sword. Along with the spirit were many small symbols called Menuki ornaments placed on the sword's handle or Tsuka, such as the one below :



Symbols of Dragons, Cranes, Tigers, Dragon flys, Cherry blossoms etc which were placed on the Tsuka to give the sword more spiritual power, which a Samurai needed to wield, in the face of death in battle. If the Samurai did well against his enemy the sword would become part of the family pride, the inheritance of generations to come. Those Samurai who had fallen, would be given the chance for their spirits to fuse with a new sword that would be forged for the next time. The swords of the fallen were often given back to the sword maker, so he could melt it all down and start afresh.

I feel honored to be somewhat connected to the culture and tradition of my ancestors.