24 Sep Kotodama

Kotodama is a Japanese concept that refers to the belief in the spiritual power or essence inherent in words and language. The term “kotodama” is composed of two kanji characters: “koto,” meaning “word” or “speech,” and “tama,”meaning “spirit” or “soul.” Together, “kotodama” can be translated as “soul of words” or the “spirit of speech.”

Kotodama originated from ancient Shinto and mystical beliefs which emphasize the sacredness and transformative power of language and words. Speech is thought to possess a spiritual energy that can influence the physical and spiritual realms. Words are the DNA of communication. Homophones, homographs, homonyms, heteronyms and etymologies can reveal the mystical aspects of human consciousness.

Puns are more insightful than pundits.