WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Ujigami belief is the most popular form of Shintō in Japan. Originally referring to the kami of an ancient clan, after the 13th century ujigami was used in the sense of the tutelary kami of a local community, and all the members in the community were that kami’s adherents (ujiko).

Detailed explanation-2: -Kami (Japanese: , [kami]) are the deities, divinities, spirits, phenomena or “holy powers” that are venerated in the Shinto religion.

Detailed explanation-3: -Norito are Shinto ritual prayers that are addressed directly to the kami during formal ceremonies. They are recited by a priest on behalf of the worshippers. The norito are spoken in formal Japanese phrases of great beauty.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shinto is based on belief in, and worship of, kami. The best English translation of kami is ‘spirits’, but this is an over-simplification of a complex concept-kami can be elements of the landscape or forces of nature. Kami are close to human beings and respond to human prayers.