When learning Japanese, one encounters a vast array of vocabulary reflecting Japan’s rich tapestry of religious and spiritual practices. Understanding these terms not only provides insight into the language but also into the culture and traditions of the Japanese people. Let’s explore some crucial Japanese vocabulary related to religion and spirituality.

宗教 (しゅうきょう – shūkyō)
This word means “religion” in Japanese. It encompasses any organized system of beliefs and worship.
日本では多くの人が何らかの宗教を信じています。
(In Japan, many people believe in some form of religion.)

神道 (しんとう – Shintō)
Shintō, or Shintoism, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan, characterized by the worship of kami (gods or spirits).
神道は日本固有の宗教です。
(Shintoism is the native religion of Japan.)

仏教 (ぶっきょう – Bukkyō)
Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan from China and Korea, is one of the major religions practiced in the country.
多くの日本人が仏教の教えに従っています。
(Many Japanese people follow the teachings of Buddhism.)

お寺 (おてら – otera)
“Otera” refers to a Buddhist temple, a place of worship, and a center for community gatherings.
彼は毎週お寺へお参りにいっています。
(He goes to visit the temple every week.)

神社 (じんじゃ – jinja)
A “jinja” is a Shinto shrine, which is often a sacred place dedicated to a specific kami.
新年には多くの人が神社へ初詣でに行きます。
(Many people visit a Shinto shrine for the first shrine visit of the New Year.)

祈り (いのり – inori)
“Inori” means prayer or invocation, an act of communicating with a deity or spirit.
彼女は平和のために祈りを捧げました。
(She offered prayers for peace.)

修行 (しゅぎょう – shugyō)
“Shugyō” signifies religious or spiritual training and discipline, often undertaken by Buddhist monks or practitioners.
彼は精神性を高めるために修行を始めました。
(He began his ascetic practices to enhance his spirituality.)

瞑想 (めいそう – meisō)
Meditation, or “meisō”, is the practice of concentrating the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve mental clarity and emotional calmness.
多くの人がストレス解消に瞑想を使っています。
(Many people use meditation to relieve stress.)

御神体 (ごしんたい – goshintai)
The term “goshintai” refers to an object considered to embody a divine spirit in Shinto.
それぞれの神社には御神体が祀られていることが多いです。
(Each Shinto shrine often enshrines a goshintai.)

念仏 (ねんぶつ – nenbutsu)
“nenbutsu” is the Buddhist practice of chanting the name of Amida Buddha as a form of devotion and gratitude.
念仏を唱えることは、仏教徒にとって大切な修行です。
(Chanting the nenbutsu is an important practice for Buddhists.)

経 (きょう – kyō)
This word “kyō” refers to the sutras or Buddhist scriptures that contain the teachings of Buddha.
仏教の経を読むことは心を落ち着かせます。
(Reading Buddhist scriptures can calm the mind.)

戒律 (かいりつ – kairitsu)
“Kairitsu” are the precepts or rules of conduct that guide the behavior of Buddhist monks and lay followers.
彼は戒律を守ることによって精神的な成長を遂げました。
(He achieved spiritual growth by adhering to the precepts.)

Understanding these terms provides learners with a window into Japan’s distinctive religious practices and cultural contexts. Learning and using this vocabulary can help to navigate religious spaces respectfully and deepen cross-cultural communication.