we
walked through this typical Japanese arch onto the premises of what
we soon learned was a shinto-shrine. Various wooden buildings with
the beautiful bent tiled roofs, some with entrances behind a row of
similar arches. Various people performing rituals. Among other stone
statues there was also a "Manneke Pis". We looked at all
this with interest, when a man addressed us. If we would be
interested to know more about praying in a shrine like this, and
before we had answered he assured us that it was no temple. His
English was rather modest, but we learned a lot. The Shinto religion
knows various gods, a bit similar to the Greek gods, we were told.
These gods are like humans, they have their good and their less good
qualities. They do not punish when a beleiver has done wrong. They
will question the wrong-doer about his motif, not judge him. Quite
contrary to most monotheist religions that the world knows. The man
was very particular about how prayers should be done. He handed us
over a scheme that is meant to make it clear to the foreigner (see
photo). And indeed, as he performed the ritual for us, it became
clear.
Not very
difficult at all: check the note he gave us. Walk up to the shrine
and donate a coin (very little amount) in the big bowl or stone jar,
then pull the bell cord hard so that the bell strikes loudly, make 2
deep bows, clap your hands twice and loud, then say your prayer (=
express your hopes), make one bow again, step backwards and leave.
Done.
He had
developed a formula as to make it easy for the novice: CB22P1,
obvious after checking the note:
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