Hello, as someone who studies Shinto as a lifelong pursuit, today I’d like to talk about our connection to nature, which surrounds us in everyday life. Ancient Japanese people deeply understood and respected the greatness of nature. A clear reflection of this is the concept of “Yaoyorozu no Kami” (the Eight Million Gods). You might have heard this phrase before, but I feel that its true essence has become distant in today’s world.

What is Yaoyorozu no Kami?
“Yaoyorozu” means not just “many,” but everything in nature—mountains, rivers, seas, trees, and even wind and rain—was believed to be inhabited by gods. Based on this belief, the ancient Japanese revered nature and lived with deep gratitude for its blessings.

How are we living now? With technological advancement and urbanization, we have distanced ourselves from nature. While our lives have become more convenient, we are also becoming what could be called “foolish modern people,” treating nature as a mere “resource” and trying to control it.

The Foolishness of Modern People
This is where the phrase “foolish modern people” comes in. Many of us ignore the greatness of nature, exploiting it for convenience and profit. Deforestation, ocean pollution, and climate change are all consequences of our lack of respect for nature. The forests and rivers that were once considered sacred by ancient Japanese people are now regarded merely as resources for business.

What the Eight Million Gods Teach Us
The ancient Japanese not only worshipped nature but also took concrete actions to live in harmony with it. For example, during harvest season, they would hold festivals and rituals to give thanks for nature’s blessings. What can we learn from these traditions today? We can restore our attitude of living in harmony with nature. Respecting nature, fearing its power, and appreciating its gifts—these are the lessons we should take to heart.

Reconnecting with Nature
In today’s world, we are often reminded of nature’s power through natural disasters. Yet, after the disaster passes, we quickly return to our old ways, continuing to ignore the value of nature. Is this the right path? The “Eight Million Gods” remind us of how we should face nature and live in balance with it.

Recognizing nature not as just a “resource” but as a “living presence” that we coexist with—that is what we must do to avoid remaining foolish modern people.

Conclusion
Now, more than ever, we need to re-evaluate the deep reverence for nature that ancient Japanese people had and incorporate it into our daily lives. Pursuing convenience while forgetting the greatness and power of nature is a foolish path. We must find ways to apply the lessons from “Yaoyorozu no Kami” in our modern lives and seek to live in harmony with nature.

If you feel a connection with this message, I would be grateful if you could share this article widely. Let’s work together to reconnect with nature and think about how we can live more harmoniously with it!

Thank you for reading all the way to the end.