What is the Purpose of a Jinja?

Why do we build a jinja (shrine), or a kamidana (home shrine shelf)? The immediate answer is usually—to have a sacred place for prayer and reflection.

Princess Akiko* recently gave a talk saying that the first priority of a jinja should be to please the kami, to make the kami happy.

This simple, straightforward response struck me deeply. The jinja is an abode for the spirit, the essence of the kamisama. We construct it with great care and craftsmanship to show reverence and respect.

We maintain and care for the jinja by presenting offerings, by cleaning, and by offering prayers.

When these actions are undertaken to please the kami (rather than for our benefit), it automatically creates “right mind.” It also requires that we consider a different point of view than our own, that we have reflection and empathy.

Carrying out this service for the benefit of the kami creates an attitude of humility and of gratitude. These are virtues that set us up for a brighter, happier life experience.

As you approach your kamidana in daily prayer, have in mind to first consider your expression of reverence to the kami, to the divine. Next, your appreciation and gratitude for what you have received. And finally, any requests for support and healing.

*  Her Imperial highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa (great granddaughter of Tashō Tennō

Thank you to David Chart for sharing this information in his Mimusubi blog on Patreon.