This is a discussion about the questions we have received so far. In many shrines, there is a round mirror placed at the back of the shrine hall. At Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, several uniquely shaped mirrors are arranged above the offering box, positioned in such a way that they reflect the appearance of the worshippers. Do you know why these mirrors are placed there?
Japan has long held the belief in the “eight million gods” (yaoyorozu no kami), which means that all natural things are inhabited by gods. Since gods also reside within humans, when praying at a shrine, it is a vow to the god within oneself, reflected in the mirror. When visiting a shrine, please be aware of your reflection in the mirror as you pray. If there is no mirror available, imagine your reflection in the mirror while offering your prayers to the gods.
