Understanding and Practicing Respect at Shrines
Visiting a shrine, whether it's a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine in Japan, or a sacred site in another tradition, can be a deeply meaningful experience. For many Americans who may not have grown up with such practices, the idea of "paying respect" can seem a little daunting. This guide aims to demystify the process, offering practical, step-by-step advice on how to approach shrines with reverence and engage in their rituals respectfully.
What is a Shrine?
A shrine is a place of worship or devotion dedicated to a deity, spirit, ancestor, or sacred object. These locations are often imbued with religious or spiritual significance and are treated with great care and respect by their followers.
General Principles of Respect
Regardless of the specific tradition, a few core principles guide respectful behavior at any shrine:
- Humility: Approach the shrine with a humble heart and mind. Recognize that you are entering a sacred space.
- Quietude: Speak in hushed tones or remain silent. Loud noises can be disruptive to those praying or meditating.
- Cleanliness: Ensure you are clean, both physically and in your intentions. If possible, wash your hands and rinse your mouth before entering.
- Intention: Be clear about your purpose for visiting. Are you seeking guidance, offering thanks, or simply exploring out of curiosity?
Preparing for Your Visit
Before you even arrive at the shrine, there are a few things to consider:
- Dress Code: While not always strict, it's generally advisable to dress modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, t-shirts with offensive slogans, or ripped jeans. Think of it as dressing for a formal occasion, but with an emphasis on comfort and respect.
- Footwear: Be prepared to remove your shoes. Many shrines require you to leave your footwear at the entrance or in designated areas. Wearing socks or clean, presentable footwear is a good idea.
- Research: If you know the specific tradition of the shrine you are visiting, a little research can go a long way. Understanding the basic practices and beliefs will enhance your experience and allow you to be more mindful.
Entering the Shrine Grounds
The entrance to a shrine often features a gate, commonly known as a torii in Shinto shrines. This gate marks the transition from the secular world to the sacred.
- Approaching the Torii: When you approach a torii, it's customary to bow slightly before passing through. It is also polite to walk to the side of the path rather than directly down the center, as the center is often considered the path of the deities.
- The Purification Fountain (Temizuya): Many shrines have a purification fountain, called a temizuya. This is where you ritually cleanse yourself before approaching the main shrine building. The steps are usually as follows:
- Take the ladle with your right hand and scoop water.
- Pour some water over your left hand to cleanse it.
- Transfer the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
- Transfer the ladle back to your right hand, pour a small amount of water into your cupped left hand, and rinse your mouth. Do not drink directly from the ladle or spit the water back into the basin; instead, let it run down your hand and onto the ground or into a designated drain.
- Finally, hold the ladle vertically so that the remaining water runs down the handle, cleansing it for the next person.
At the Main Shrine Building
Once you've purified yourself, you'll approach the main hall where the deity is enshrined.
Offering a Prayer or Donation
The specific ritual for offering a prayer or donation can vary, but a common sequence, particularly at Shinto shrines, is:
- Bell: Many shrines have a bell. Ringing the bell is a way to alert the deity of your presence and make your offering.
- Coin Toss: You'll often see a donation box (saisen-bako). Toss a coin into the box. The amount is less important than the sincerity of your offering.
- Bowing and Clapping: This is where practices can differ. A common Shinto method is the "two bows, two claps, one bow" sequence:
- Bow twice deeply.
- Clap your hands twice.
- Bring your hands together in prayer, with your palms touching and fingers extended.
- Offer your prayer, thought, or request silently.
- Bow once more deeply.
- Buddhist Temples: At Buddhist temples, the rituals might be simpler. You might bow, place your hands together in prayer, and silently offer your respects. Incense is also a common offering; you can light an incense stick and place it in a designated holder.
Other Areas and Practices
Shrines may also have other areas of interest:
- Omairi: This refers to the act of visiting a shrine to pray.
- Omamori: These are amulets or charms sold at shrines and temples for good luck, protection, or specific blessings. You can purchase these as a souvenir or as a personal item of good fortune.
- Ema: These are small wooden plaques where people write their wishes or prayers and hang them at the shrine.
What Not to Do
To ensure you are being respectful, here are a few things to avoid:
- Loud Talking or Shouting: Maintain a quiet and reverent demeanor.
- Pointing or Gesturing Rudely: Avoid aggressive or dismissive body language.
- Touching Sacred Objects: Unless specifically invited to do so, refrain from touching statues, altars, or other sacred items.
- Taking Photos Where Prohibited: Always look for signs indicating whether photography is allowed. If unsure, err on the side of caution and refrain from taking pictures.
- Disrupting Others: Be mindful of people who are praying or meditating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which coin to toss at a shrine?
For Shinto shrines, it's customary to toss a 5-yen coin. The Japanese word for 5 yen, "go-en," sounds like the word for "good fortune" or "destiny" ("go-en"). This is a symbolic gesture. However, any coin is acceptable as an offering; the sincerity of your intention is most important.
Why do I need to purify myself before entering a shrine?
The purification ritual (temizuya) is a symbolic act of cleansing oneself from the impurities of the outside world before entering a sacred space. It's a way to approach the deity or sacred presence with a pure body and mind, showing reverence and respect.
Is it okay to take photos at a shrine?
Generally, you can take photos of the shrine grounds and exteriors. However, it is often prohibited to take photos inside the main shrine buildings where deities are enshrined or of sacred objects. Always look for signage that indicates photography rules. If you are unsure, it's best to refrain from taking photos in sensitive areas.
What should I do if I don't know the specific rituals for a shrine?
Observe others who are familiar with the practices, but do not feel pressured to mimic them exactly. A simple, sincere bow and a moment of quiet reflection are always appropriate and appreciated. If you see a bell, ringing it gently before your prayer is a common gesture. If you are unsure about the bowing and clapping sequence, a single bow is perfectly acceptable.
