Japan is a country that serves as an example to the whole world because of some habits, such as cleanliness, politeness and cordiality – we will not talk about its technological expansion in this article.
These attributes that make the Japanese stand out in a positive way can be explained by the spirituality that the population has and the value they place on some religious concepts.
Buddhism and Shintoism are the most influential religions among the Japanese, even if they don't clearly assume any of them.
Among the various temples and shrines scattered through the streets of several cities, spirituality is present mainly in some rituals, tea ceremonies, in the arts and in culture, which end up highlighting the welcoming nature that the Japanese have.
What makes the country known for its spirituality?
Some things that are completely normal for the Japanese even cause a certain astonishment to other cultures. Just imagine if there were no garbage cans in España? It would be complete chaos! The fact is that they are evolved people and work daily on their personal and spiritual growth. The Japanese think a lot about others and act with the aim of improving and maintaining the place where they live.
Here are some of the factors that permeate the spirituality and evolution status of the Japanese:
There are no dumps in Japan
Everyone is educated from childhood to put away the garbage and take it home. For this reason, there are practically no garbage cans in public places, but the most impressive thing is that, even with the lack of garbage cans in the cities, there is not a single piece of paper thrown in the streets! They care about the environment and carry with them the education they received from their family.
no robberies
Japanese are very honest! The rate of street robberies is minimal, even in the most populous cities, like Tokyo, where bicycles are left on the streets and remain where their owners left them!
No chats on the train
People think so much about each other's well-being that talking on the cell phone is forbidden on train journeys. The reason? Do not disturb or annoy those who are close to you!
extreme kindness
The Japanese are people who possess extreme kindness. It doesn't matter if you need some explanation about a restaurant menu, help with school, change money, among many other everyday activities that can be stressful for some. The Japanese are always friendly and help everyone with a big smile on their face.
religious traditions
Despite being an extremely technological and consumerist society, the population queues for two hours on religious festival days in temples just to fulfill certain traditions and bow before the altar.
As mentioned before, there are a lot of temples and shrines scattered throughout the streets of Japan. The shrines are dedicated to Shinto practices, while the temples, to Buddhist ones. Originating in India, Buddhism arrived in Japan in the XNUMXth century through Chinese missionaries.
Many people think that this religion has a god as its focus, but know that it is not theistic! Shinto is much older and is considered much more of a spiritual practice than a religious one, with beliefs based on different gods. In essence, both are similar, but Shinto is maintained practically only by the Japanese.
Here are some spiritual facts about Japan:
1. Rituals called “Harae” are performed for purification and use water to wash the mouth and hands;
2. One of the parts of a Shinto cult is the offering. A believer is allowed to offer money or some personal object to the kami, in order to receive some grace in return. A dance called kagura is also considered a valid offering;
3. The entire community is involved in Shinto festivities. People make large processions, including parade cars;
4. Worshipers often leave slips of paper (o-mikuji) at shrines. On them may be written requests or omens;
5. Always at 6:30 in the morning the priests of a mountain called yamabushi gather in a temple to meditate for half an hour;
6. The Japanese find the state of tranquility in a ritual called “tea ceremony”;
7. Squeezing yourself into the nose window of the Buddha image in Todai-ji temple represents that you will achieve enlightenment in the next life;
8. Japanese people who practice Buddhism believe they can achieve self-enlightenment through daily meditation;
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9. A pilgrimage route called “The pilgrimage road of Henro” has 88 Buddhist temples and is seen as a journey made by people who wish to receive good energies;
10. There is a shrine at Kiyomizu-dera temple that is totally dedicated to the gods of love. Being on a rock and finding a way to another means you will be lucky in love.
