In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

315 Aidono – A separate altar(’s) or room(’s) within the honden for the purpose of enshrining kami who are subordinate to but very close to the main kami. Amatsukami, Kunutsukami – Kami born of heaven that reside in heaven or descended to earth are called Amatsukami. Kami born on earth are Kunutusukami and generally lower in status. The distinction is not always so clear-cut as it sounds. Ame no mihashira – “Pillar of Heaven” was erected or existed between heaven and earth and was circled by Izanami and Izanagi in their courtship ritual, and used as a means to travel between heaven and earth. It may be related to the Shin no mihashira (heart) pillar that stands under Ise Jingu as well as inside Izumo Taisha . The concept of a “cosmic center” or “axis mundi” (a pole, a tree, a mountain, etc.) is common to many cultures. Aramitama, Nigimitama – Aramitama is the rough, authoritative, or active characterofakami. Nigimitama is the peaceful and harmonious character or aspect of the kami or spirit. These different characters are sometimes considered as different kami and enshrined in different places or amalgamated with different kami and Buddhas. Asagutsu – Black wooden and lacquered clogs worn as formal footwear by shrine priests. Ashihara no nakatsukuni – Literally “central land of reed plains” used in the Kojiki to mean “the human world,” “Japan.” Banshin – A general term referring to deities of foreign lands that were brought to and worshipped in Japan. This includes the ancestral kami of immigrants, as well as imported Hindu and Buddhist deities. Budo – General term for Japanese martial arts. Bunrei – Dividing the spirit of a kami for the purpose of enshrining in another location. The deity is invited or entreated to a new location (kanjo) and the deity may be referred to as a kanjokami or bunshi. Chokusaisha – Shrines that observe rituals involving a visit by an Imperial messenger (chokushi) delivering an offering from the emperor to the kami of that shrine. There are currently 16 such shrines in Japan. Clan (seishi or shi) – Members of an extended family, which in ancient times included family and non-family members, retainers, and others, with no limitation on size, but generally related       Dosojin – Kami of the roads and crossroads, also including sai no kami, kojin, and other phallic deities. The dosojin protect people on the roads as well protecting towns from spirits of pestilence. Often depicted in male/female pairs, in ancient times fertility and the ability to procreate were considered protection against disease and death. Gagaku – Ancient court music often performed in conjunction with bugaku, costumed dance. Originally imported from China perhaps in the 6th century, involving strong Chinese and Asian G L O S S A R Y 316 GLOSSARY !        emperor’s court. Gyoji saho – Also Jinja saishiki gyoji saho. The basic rules and protocols for the conduct of priests and for the correct conduct of shrine ritu-      ` +  shrines, Jinja Honcho. Harae (Harai) – Purifying the spirit of a human or an object through ritual, prayers (norito) or ritual acts such as ablutions (misogi). Also an exorcism of evil or unclean spirits. A “Great€   5#oharae) is generally a special cer-      Hitogata¢      the shape of a human, used to remove impurities from people and send them away—usually !    +   cast spells. Imikotoba¢—   4 5 but actually meaning euphemistic words used in front of the sacred shrine maiden of Ise Jingu called the saio or saigu, to avoid speaking taboo words. Taboo words related to Buddhism, and code words were substituted in their place. For example nakago (middle child) was substituted for Hotoke (Buddha), kaminaga (long-hair) for monk, etc. Iwasaka – Also yuniwa. A place where a deity is worshipped in nature. A place is cleared and surrounded with stones. Or else an iwakura (stone alter) is erected for the same purpose. Iwakura are also naturally occurring stones revered as a place were the kami descends. Jindo, tama, mono – Words used in the past to mean Shinto or kami. Also used for other concepts such as “soul” or “spirit.” Tama is a spiritual force that dwells in humans but also in nature and in kami. Also the word tamashi refers to “soul” or “spirit” and mitama    often applied to kami. Jinguji – A Buddhist temple on the grounds of a shrine for the purpose of performing sutra readings and rituals to a Buddhist deity and “gaining merit” which could be transfered to the kami of the neighboring shrine to aid in its enlightenment . 1 " 0  – Association of Shinto Shrines...

Share