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Jonshez · 07-23-2007, 10:27 AM

I'm intrigued by the use of the words kami and spirit in this thread. I'm at work so I'll need to be brief!

I am an atheist, I do not believe spirits are watching my training. However, I do respect the spirit of the men and women who's knowledge and experience I am about to share - in other words I respect their attitude, and by showing my respect (bowing) indicate my intention to share their spirit/attitude in my training with humility.

I have no problem showing my respect and thanks for the spirit/attitude of someone who has died. We do it each year when we wear a poppy on Remembrance Day. It is a specific time of the day/year/training to be respectful and remember the others who's effort and work allow me to be where I am today.

Sorry for the brevity, I hope I didn't lose any clarity.

Jon

07-23-2007, 10:27 AM	#13
Jonshez Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 33 Offline	Re: Bowing to Kamidana/Kamiza I'm intrigued by the use of the words kami and spirit in this thread. I'm at work so I'll need to be brief! I am an atheist, I do not believe spirits are watching my training. However, I do respect the spirit of the men and women who's knowledge and experience I am about to share - in other words I respect their attitude, and by showing my respect (bowing) indicate my intention to share their spirit/attitude in my training with humility. I have no problem showing my respect and thanks for the spirit/attitude of someone who has died. We do it each year when we wear a poppy on Remembrance Day. It is a specific time of the day/year/training to be respectful and remember the others who's effort and work allow me to be where I am today. Sorry for the brevity, I hope I didn't lose any clarity. Jon
Jonshez Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 33 Offline	Ai-Ki cannot be exhausted By words written or spoken. Without dabbling in idle talk, Understand through practice.