The Soul of Language

Kotodama, also known as the "soul of language" or "spirit of language," is a concept rooted

in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

This belief posits that words carry an intrinsic spiritual force suggesting that words can

manifest reality, change the environment's energy, and affect individuals within it.

It emphasizes mindful speech due to the potential of words to bring about good or ill fortune.

Deeply integrated into Japanese culture, kotodama is visible in rituals, prayers, and everyday

conversations, where language is deliberately chosen to harness this power.

Engaging in malevolent conversation, under kotodama, is believed to emit negative energy

and attract misfortune, affecting both the speaker and the recipient.

This reflects the idea that the energy you put out into the world through your speech

impacts the universe and, in turn, comes back to you.

Therefore, kotodama promotes a culture where speech is used positively and constructively,

advocating for mindful communication as both a social courtesy and a spiritual duty.