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 can reveal the mystical aspects of human consciousness. Speech or words with positive intent and purity of heart are believed to bring about positive outcomes, while negative or impure speech can have harmful effects.

That said, be careful what you wish for as every wish will come true but not in the form you imagine. As well, those who wish for nothing have everything.

Like kotodama, the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” To wit, l + Word = World. Our world is created by the words we use to describe it.

The omnipresent and everchanging sacred text that reveals the mystical aspect of human consciousness hidden in words is the dictionary.