Receiving a Goshuin Is a Legitimate Religious Act

(following up on the previous post)

Goshuin often includes the name of the shrine or deity, and in the case of temple seals, it often features a sacred syllable representing the Buddha itself.

It should be regarded as being on par with amulets and other offerings provided at shrines and temples; therefore, it should not be treated disrespectfully.

In fact, there are quite a few people who usually place their goshuin books on their home Kami altars or Buddhist altars.

I, too, think about having my goshuin book placed in my coffin and cremated after my death, as a testament to my own faith.

Many shrines and temples refuse to give the goshuin on stamp books, memo pads, or blank spaces in guidebooks if you do not bring a formal goshuin book.

There are some cases where you may receive a stamp on a single sheet of paper provided by the shrine or temple.

Unlike “commemorative stamps,” these seals are pressed by the staff of the shrine or temple, priests, or monks, and it is common that visitors cannot stamp freely.

It’s not always the case that there is only one goshuin; some shrines and temples offer multiple.

Depending on the shrine, you can receive goshuin from subsidiary shrines, and for temples, you might get them according to the Buddhist halls or statues.

Additionally, special goshuin may be issued in conjunction with annual events or the opening of secret Buddha images.

In recent years, there has been an increase in goshuin that use gold and silver pigments, feature anime-style characters, incorporate colorful washi paper, or are in the form of papercuts, which differ from traditional ones.

Collecting goshuin is definitely not a stamp rally!!

By the way, although it is part of the goshuin, there is a thing called goshudai.

Goshudai refers to the seven Chinese characters “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” which are granted upon request as a testament of faith and a proof of worship at Nichiren sect temples.

To receive goshudai, it’s necessary to prepare a dedicated goshudai book that has not been stamped with goshuin from other Buddhist sect temples or shrines.

Additionally, taking advantage of the strong popularity of goshuin, new types such as castle stamps, railway stamps, and bookstore stamps have emerged.

Of course, these are merely certificates or souvenirs and have no religious significance, so they should not be collected together in a goshuin book.

On the other hand, many Japanese people feel the presence of gods, but they do not believe in religions that have doctrines or founders.

Religion is naturally integrated into their daily lives.

In recent years, I have heard that the opportunity to introduce Japanese religions, particularly Shintoism, in overseas media has increased.

Is it likely that there are many young people who question the faith in monotheistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?

In fact, the number of foreign travelers seen visiting shrines and temples for goshuin has been increasing.

We Japanese have been born and raised in a country watched over by eight million kami or deities.

Even if followers of Christianity and Islam are receiving goshuin, as long as they don’t desecrate Buddhism or Shintoism in this country, Japanese people will likely watch them with a smile.

Please take a goshuin book as a companion for your precious journey in Japan.