What is a goshuin? Explaining its meaning, effects, how to get one, and important points to note
In recent years, collecting goshuin stamps has become so popular, especially among young women, that more and more people are visiting temples and shrines to collect them.
A goshuin is a stamp that is stamped at temples and shrines as proof of worship. We will thoroughly explain the basics of goshuin, including their meaning, effects, and how to obtain one.
What is a goshuin?
A goshuin is a "record of your connection with the gods and Buddha" that you receive as proof of your visit to a temple or shrine, and is a stamp with the date of your visit and the name of the temple or shrine written in ink.
Originally, goshuin stamps were given as proof that one had made a copy of a sutra, but nowadays they can be received for just a few hundred yen as a token of one's visit, even if one has not made a copy of a sutra.
What is the true meaning of a goshuin?
As explained above, the original meaning of a goshuin was to be received as proof that you had donated a copy of a sutra.
Nowadays, you can easily visit a shrine or temple while sightseeing and get a goshuin for just a few hundred yen, but in the past it was not so easy to get one.
It is said that the original main meaning of goshuin was to make a wish, and in addition to praying to the gods and Buddhas, it was necessary to offer a copy of a sutra that would grant one's strong wish.
Sutra copying is done for the purposes of preserving Buddhist scriptures, offering prayers to ancestors, fulfilling prayers, and achieving spiritual stability. Copying sutras is also the same as chanting them, and the original meaning of copying sutras is to receive a goshuin (stamp) as proof of having submitted the sutra.
What is the point of collecting goshuin stamps?
There are various meanings and purposes for collecting goshuin, such as making wishes, recording travels, collecting them as memories, or collecting rare goshuin as a hobby.
The original meaning of goshuin is to receive a record of your visit to a shrine or temple. The original meaning of collecting goshuin is to deepen your connection with the temple or shrine and to record that connection.
However, nowadays, more and more people are collecting goshuin stamps in their goshuin notebooks due to the seasonal nature of the stamps and the beauty of the stamps themselves.
Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of temples and shrines have started selling goshuin stamps online or by mail for people who are unable to visit temples or shrines in person or who cannot travel but still want to enjoy collecting them.
The original meaning of collecting goshuin has changed slightly over time, but with the spread of online sales, it has become possible to collect goshuin from temples and shrines far away.
Do goshuin stamps have any effect?
Goshuin stamps are not meant to bring good luck or benefits, but are originally given as proof of worship, so the goshuin stamp itself does not have any benefits (effects).
It would be a good idea to keep it as proof of your visit, a memento of your trip, or a treasured piece in your collection.
What to do with your goshuin stamp collection?
There are no specific rules for storing them, but since goshuin are a "record of your connection with the gods and Buddhas," you should store them carefully.
Another enjoyable thing about goshuin is that it is a record of connections, which is the original meaning of the stamp, and you can look back on it as a record of your travels.
Also, when disposing of your goshuincho, have it burned at a temple or shrine. Generally, you will have it burned at the temple where you received the goshuin, but if you live far away and this is difficult, it is recommended that you inquire at a nearby temple or at a place that will send it to you by mail.
Types of Goshuin and their meanings
What is the difference between shrine and temple goshuin and what does it mean?
There is no clear difference between the goshuin stamps of shrines and temples, as both are proof of worship. They are a record of your connection with the temple or shrine, and because each one is handwritten, they are different and have their own characteristics depending on the temple or shrine.
Generally, the seal and the name of the shrine or temple, or the name of a god or Buddha, are written in ink.
Special Goshuin
Goshuin stamps vary depending on the temple or shrine, and some temples offer multiple goshuin stamps, while others offer special seasonal goshuin stamps.
Seasonal goshuin stamps, which can only be obtained during a certain season, are extremely popular, and an increasing number of people are visiting shrines and temples to receive them, or purchasing them online.
Jorakuji Temple in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, offers a special goshuin stamp each month, which can be delivered by mail. On the day of the Dragon, you can have it written in gold lettering, and you can choose the words to be inscribed, such as "Increase in financial luck" or "Good luck and protection from evil."
See this month's special goshuin at Jorakuji Temple
How to receive a goshuin and etiquette
Basic procedure and points to note when receiving a goshuin
A goshuin is given as proof of worship, so you must first pay your respects to the gods and Buddhas before going to the donation office to receive your goshuin.
Please refrain from private conversations and wait quietly until you receive your goshuin. It is also bad manners to specify how it should be written. Each stamp is carefully written in ink, so enjoy the differences between them.
Also, when receiving a goshuin, you will need to have a goshuin book ready. Goshuin cannot be received on any paper or notebook other than a goshuin book.
There are many different types of goshuincho available for purchase online, and some are also sold at temples and shrines.
Collecting goshuin stamps has become popular in recent years, and many original goshuin stamp notebooks have appeared.
One of the joys of collecting goshuin stamps is finding a goshuin stamp book that suits your taste at the temples and shrines you visit.
See the stamp book of Jorakuji Temple
summary
What do you think? We have explained the basics about goshuin, such as their meaning, effects, and how to receive them.
Understanding the meaning of goshuin stamps will make collecting them even more fun.
Not only can they be a keepsake of your trip, but if you are unable to visit a temple or shrine, they can also be purchased online or by mail.
Let's understand the true meaning of goshuin and the proper etiquette for receiving them, and enjoy collecting beautiful goshuin, a traditional Japanese culture.
You can view this month's special goshuin from Jorakuji Temple here.