We were at the Shinobazu-no-ike Bentendo Buddhist temple in Ueno Park when yet again, we were confronted with the seeming contradiction of tourism and religion. You can’t take a photo of the shrine interior, but inside, you’re welcome to choose and buy from a plethora of trinkets that promise everything from passing your exams successfully to having a fortuitous birth.
We had already been at the Nezu Shinto shrine where we fluffed around trying to pick which method ‘offered us the best fortune’.
Two bows, two claps, one more bow.
Wash your right hand first, then your left. Finish off by rinsing your mouth.
After lighting your incense, make sure to blow the smoke in your direction.
Sometimes, I’m confused. Do I wish for something as mundane as more money? (more money at best buys you convenience, and not necessarily happiness) Perhaps better health? (will carbs and fats magically be ineffective in my body?) Protection for the people I love? (I struggle to understand the logistics of how this would work).
We got omijuki fortune slips for a hundred yen and mine reads as translated:
Your fortune: 大吉 (Daikichi)
大吉 — Great Blessing
Fortune No. 18 (第十八番)
This is generally the highest and most favourable category of omikuji fortune.
Your fortune translated
The central message is that good fortune is coming, but patience, sincerity and sensible decisions are important.
Here’s what the different sections say, translated into natural English where the text is legible:
Category Meaning
願事 — Wishes Your wishes can come true, although some patience may be required.
待人 — Person awaited The person you’re waiting for will come.
失物 — Lost things Lost belongings can be found.
旅行 — Travel Travel is favourable.
商売 — Business Business prospects are good.
学問 — Studies Continue working diligently towards your goals.
方向 — Direction A favourable direction is indicated.
争事 — Disputes Be careful about arguments and disagreements.
求人 — Employment Employment-related matters are favourable.
転居 — Moving house A change of residence is favourable.
お産 — Childbirth A safe delivery is indicated.
病気 — Illness Recovery is expected, although it may take time.
縁談 — Marriage proposals Romantic and marriage prospects are favourable.
Of course I’ll take it and thank you to the gods and deities, though I know that I still need to get up early for work, to put my best foot (and ideas) forward, to eat sensibly, to exercise and to try and be a good person, because sometimes, it takes will & effort to be one.
And yes, I will still occasionally buy the lottery ticket because having a little bit more money doesn’t hurt.
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