神 · かみ · kami_concepts

kami

Divine beings or spirits in Shinto belief.

Definition

In Shinto, 'kami' refers to a wide range of divine beings or spiritual entities, including gods, spirits of nature, ancestors, and personifications of natural phenomena. Motoori Norinaga identified eight senses of 'kami' that include the powerful and awe-inspiring, protective, benevolent, vengeful, and celestial aspects. Each sense emphasizes different relationships between kami and humans, reflecting the nuanced understanding of divinity in Shinto worship.

Etymology

The term 'kami' originally derives from Old Japanese and suggests a sense of 'superior' or 'above,' indicating a revered status beyond mere human existence.