Iwaya shrine – No scriptures, no system of doctrines, all coming from gratitude toward every thing　part 2

There are some 80,000 shrines in Japan. They are Hachiman, Ise, Inari, Kumano, Tenman, Sumiyoshi, depending on the types of kami inside. Popularity of the names is different in each time and each region. The basic rites in Shrine are prayers for a successful rice harvest, prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for prevention of disasters or pestilence. These rites are symbolic acts of communication between local people and the local kami. These days people visit shrine to pray for all kinds of things in their life.

The kami in Iwaya shrine is called Ebisu, the god of the sea. Therefore, local people visit here for prayers of safety on the sea and harvest from the sea. The specially recommended rite by Iwaya shrine is called Oshataka-bune, opening on the third Sunday of July every year. This rite is designated as “Intangible Folk Culture Property” in Akashi.

When I left the Iwaya shrine, I asked the kannushi what was the most important thing in his heart. He answered me with only one word, gratitude. He told me that these days many people do not look at the staff and say thank you when they buy things in convenience stores. This makes him unhappy. People are receiving much information every day, but they are losing inner reserves and the heart of thanksgiving.

Kami have both malevolent and beneficent characteristics. Humans must be sincere, truthful and conscientious when approaching a deity. These are essential attitude of worship in Shinto. Humans must also purify themselves before approaching for example, by purifying themselves with water before entering the shrine ground. An individual may ask the deity for help or may be assisted by priests. When a benefit is received, the individual should return on another occasion to express gratitude. By doing such, mood of gratitude and the related behaviors remains for generation and generation, very unique to Japan.