Numerology in Japan - Literature review Example

Numerology in Japan Name Affiliation NUMEROLOGY IN JAPAN INTRODUCTION Numerology is basically the study of mystical, divine and other special relationship between perceived coinciding occurrences and numbers with traditional systems and beliefs (ATE, 2010). The history of numerology is traced among the Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Hebrews, Egyptians, early Christians, Mayans, all who have used numerology for thousands of years to obtain deeper understanding of themselves and the universe. Despite the long history, the word "numerology" had not been recorded in English until after 1907 (Cai, 2001). Today, numerology is often associated with the paranormal, astrology and divine arts. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 22 we used to construct numerological charts, making the simplest of the occult arts to grasp and utilize since all you need is date of birth and full name of the individual to reveal all secrets the numbers hold. Most authorities are for the opinion that the all names given at birth and recorded on their certificate is the same that must be used to calculate involving name (De Nicolás et al 1986). Greater numbers that result from summing up the numbers in the date of birth or each value assigned individual names are decreased by summing the digits until the result obtained is one of the crucial numbers. Simply sum up the greater number consecutively until a single double digit result, all of which represents varying expressions and characteristics. Double digit numbers is way provided rule of reducing to the single digit. They are intensified versions of the single digit number they replace 2 and 4. These numbers suggest a potential for a high degree of learning together with an achievement very often in a more stressful environment. In many individuals, the master numbers operate at a much greater tangible or practical level, becoming essentially the same as the single digit parallel. While an astrology chart majors more on your sun sign, numerology charts provides the results of various calculations, and is wonderfully simpler. Types of Numerology There are three main areas of study that concerns numerology studies in Japan and this include; Chaldean, Pythagorean and Kabbalah which offers three distinctive explanations of one’s life direction since they calculate their number meaning in different ways. Chaldean System linked to Ancient Babylon, probably the oldest system known. In this system, calculations on letters and numbers isn’t determined alphabetically but is assigned depending on vibrations of specific letters. Calculation is made only on numbers 1 - 8 since 9 is seen as sacred and doesn’t have an associated letter to it. Number 9 only appears in the final answer. Pythagorean Number System is most popular and it assigns values of numbers based on the alphabetical sequence by calculating numbers 1 to 9. Kabbalah System borrows from Hebrew mystics and it specifically looks at someone’s name and not their date of birth information a reason why it isn’t commonly used. It has been assigned twenty two number vibrations ranging from 1-400 (Takagi, 1964). Numerology in Japan Numerology in Japan dates back to thousands of years as well as various forms of it may be discovered in almost all cultures. It is maybe, one of the most ancient ways of uncovering the future. It is a kind of transcendental science, just like astrology, however it is simpler to understand. It is therefore easy to carry out the standard computations once you understand the process. The reality is that many people have no trust in the numerology process. However, one cannot deny the fact that a few mathematicians have analyzed this science and actually taught it. While astrology depends on the position of the sun, moon and planets at a specific time, to predict the long run, numerology is dependent on figures to predict the future of a human being. Numerology fundamentally uses and evaluates the letters in ones name along with their birth dates in order to provide an individual with insights about their purpose in life, inherent skills, motivations, together with their strengths and weakness. In numerology, every letter of the alphabet is designated a certain digit. A being the primary character of the alphabet is connected with digit 1. In a similar manner, e is associated with the digit 5. However, in a situation whereby the total figures linked with an alphabet is more than one digit; both of these digits are combined to form a solitary root digit. An example is the letter L it lies 12th in the alphabetical order. In numerology, the numbers 1 and 2 summed to provide 3, therefore, the numerological number associated with the letter L is 3. Similarly, persons whose birth dates tend to be 1, 10, 19, and 28 have in common the same basic numerological number 1 because each of them put together make the identical basic number. This therefore concludes that figures cannot be avoided. They occur in our everyday lives from Phone numbers, bank accounts directions, bus routes, internet protocol addresses, and many others, have digits in them. Colors and shades seemingly play an important role in numerology. Orange, yellow, and gold seem to be lucky colors for those with numerological digit 1. In the other hand, the worst colors for these people are black and maroon. Symbols of numbers in Japan In the Japanese community, there are superstitions as far as numbers are concerned. There are several unlucky numbers in Japanese. Traditionally, 4 and 9 are unlucky. Number Four, pronounced shi, is also used for death. Number Nine, pronounced ku, is also used to mean suffering. Number Thirteen is also believed to be an unlucky number, although this concept has been imported from the West. Because of this, some people have deliberately avoid these numbers in public places such as hotels, lifts and hospitals especially the maternity section where the number 43 is avoided since it literally means still birth. Superstitions are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and its people’s history and are very common among the Japanese. They have a basis in the custom norms and culture of the Japanese and came in handy when imparting practical teachings and advice. Others however have been borrowed or adopted from different cultures. The superstition about a black cat that crosses your path is one common example. Other Asians cultures also have the same beliefs just like the Japanese, especially the Chinese, who closely share similar historical ties and cultural connections. Number four which is considered an unlucky number is an example, which rhymes with the word death in Japanese. These superstitions are closely related to Japanese language. Objects that have names with words like suffering and death are totally seen as unlucky. Also a significant section of Japanese superstition is deeply rooted in its ancient Pagan culture which believes that some living things and also natural occurrences have spiritual powers. Therefore these superstitions that revolve around animals either depict good fortune or bad luck. Most people were raised up believing that if a cat especially if its black crosses your path signifies bad luck. However, there is a Superstition about a Lucky Cat; Maneki Neko which is common as well whereby many people with business premises have put images of such cats believing that somehow they will bring good luck as far as money is concerned. Asia in particular, has very superstitious people. The old in the Japanese community think superstition is meant to educate people on life’s practicality in terms of good moral, especially the younger generation. Others are rooted deep into ancient Pagan culture and regards some living and natural things as having spiritual powers. Apart from cats, Japanese think that coming across a spider early morning, is a sign of good luck. In the contrary, sighting it at night, bad luck would come your way. Catching a crow’s eyes is believed to bring bad luck as well. The superstition about Chopsticks being placed vertically on food specifically rice brings bad luck since this is done only in funerals. It is also believed that when a hearse passes, one must hide their thumb (Rapp, et al 1977). Doing this is preventing death since failure to do so your parent is going pass away. Since the thumb finger is considered the parent-finger. Old people also suggest that if you attend a funeral, sprinkle salt over your body before going into your home for the purpose of cleansing. That not being conclusive, Japanese people are very keen with directions. A superstition suggests that one should not sleep with their head in facing north or their life will be short lived. Food cannot be passed via chopsticks, since they do this during cremation ceremony only. When it comes to personal hygiene, it is important to clip the nails but there are those believing that trimming toe or fingernails night brings bad luck, saying that you won’t be present at your parent’s deathbed. The old people are believed to be a source of most superstitions since they are full of wisdom. They believe that night is a resting time and so should be quiet, those making noise will be singled out by bad guys, or playing the flute at night will attract snakes to you, this just makes them not be a nuisance to their neighbors. To create awareness on the dangers of fire, old men and women would tell children to avoid playing with fire lest they wet the bed. Asians are very strict on matters of attitude and manners, a superstition in Japanese suggests that resting immediately after eating would make one either a pig, cow or even an elephant. To some people, these could just be numbers, old sayings or animals. However, in Japan superstitions has been a part of their daily life. It could mean nothing to others, but once in Japan it is important to subdue ones thoughts and reactions. They definitely won’t expect you to understand due to the difference in beliefs but would appreciate your respect for theirs since it has been with their culture and history. Japan Religion There are two major religions in Japan, Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is the oldest meaning it is as old as the Japanese culture, and Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Both religions have co-existed relatively harmoniously since then and have even complemented each other to some extend with most Japanese belonging to Buddhist, Shinto or even both (Reist, 2004). Most people today only follow religious rituals at ceremonies like child birth, weddings and funerals, may visit shrines or temples and participate at local festivals most of which have a religious background. Religion is therefore not an important aspect. Shintoism’s origin is still unknown with archaeological evidence suggest that the Yayoi community practiced it. This community lived in small clans whereby each clan had its head who was both spiritual and war chiefs and as well had its own god (kami) who represented wonderful components of nature. There were gods that represented the geographical features. If by any chance a clan conquered another clan at war the god of the defeated clan would be assimilate into their own. Therefore the Yayoi built their empire of kami. Buddhism rapidly spread all over Japan after it arrived from other Asian countries. Most people were not willing to embrace it due to nationalism and religious fears but after defeating clans that opposed Buddhism it was time for the religion covered larger regions. A temple was built almost two centuries later, making it the largest structure made of wood world over and it housed a fifteen meter high statue of Cosmic Buddha, renamed Dainichi Nyorai and linked to Amaterasu, a Shinto Goddess. After identifying Dainichi Nyorai link to Shinto kami the syncretism between Buddhism and Shintoism began. And this was evident all over Japan. Most festivals also known as matsuri, traces its origin to earlier rituals of Shinto. Festivals that would symbolize plenty of rice in terms of spiritual health and production community wide. Matsuri is often held in Shrine, a display or an image of the shrine can also be used to perform the festival. The festivals can take a number of days with processions carrying the image of their Kami wade through the streets and dance to the sound of flutes and drums. The festivities differ with different locals, but they all have similar characteristics which include food, exultation and noise. The festival therefore provides the community members with an opportunity to celebrate the joyful occasion in unison (Gourko, 1991). Another popular festival is the Bon Festival, referred to O-bon, this is celebrated to commemorate visits of long gone ancestors to members of the community. A festival characterized by the decorating alters of the dead and visitation to the Buddhist temples. Prior to the festival, the grave of the community ancestors is cleaned by members of their families in readiness for the visit of the souls of those who have passed on. Many will use this chance to go back to their home towns, be with their relatives and go to temples to give offerings and pray. IMPORTANCE OF NEUROLOGY TO THE JAPANESE When the community is in search of success and happiness, Numerology can greatly assist. There are various other reasons as to why Numerology and all that comes with it is important in one’s life. For instance, while Short Term Analysis Assessing your birth chart will predict only the long term events, numerology predictions will spot out even the short term events of your life. Hence help critical decision making like purchasing property, looking for a job or finding another one, looking for opportunities overseas and much more. Numerology consultation also identifies ones strengths and weaknesses (Nakayama et al 1989). Therefore based on this, the numerological expert will advise on the ways to overcome such challenges in life. Numerology numbers are empowered to reduce your Karmic effects thereby predicting ones future hence bring about happiness in your life. In addition to this, Numerology findings are formed based on an individual’s psychic numbers which will give clear insights on ones personality, preferences, behavioral patterns and attitude. Once this is understood, one will have a better knowledge his/her personality. Therefore numerology is used to make children more aware of the danger surrounding them and to promote teaching of good morals. Social characteristics of Japan religion today Today, religion in Japan is characterized as Corporate Religion. Its diversity in terms of inspirations, attitudes, feuds and division of labor religiously is responsible for this characterization. Just like many other organizations, Japans religious organizations are more clan based than similar Christian denominations (Eguchi, et al 2011). Despite the existence of religious federations, every religion manages their own associations without looking for outside alliances. Diverse practices have really weakened the religion. Many Japanese believe in Shinto and Buddhist deities, while many others believe in magic. Therefore, the great majority of the Japanese do not see themselves as preoccupied with religion, meaning that Japanese religion is socially weak, both privately and publicly. This thinness of religious consciousness may also have to do with the Constitution that prohibits the teaching of religion in public schools, but then again, interest in religion is great in academic institutions. In daily life, generally identifying with the various thought constellations of their culture, people simplify their view of life and otherwise fabricate their own set of values. As touched upon at the outset, like in all postmodern societies, individual and corporate interests have become socially dominant (Eguchi, et al 2011). That is, work, family, loyalty to the corporation, and enjoyment of life are the main staple from which people fashion a personal value perspective, which contains religious values as well in the case of those who are committed to a specific faith and those who engage in the above mentioned practices. Except in criminal cases and other ways of overstepping limits, serious value conflict does not occur. Religion and politics have come a long way; they are as old as human history. They have taken different forms in different cultures and countries through the ages. How religious organizations and the political enterprise change may prove to be an interesting exercise in sociological imagination. Questions could be raised as to how political institutions should be modified, whether political parties based on religion are desirable, whether representatives of religious organizations should vie for political office, and so on, but no space is left for such speculations. So encouraging religious organizations to raise their political awareness should be highly meaningful. Any religion in Japan could play its part. Shinto as the original religious orientation of Japan should be given the first privileged (Takeda et al 2009). The various strands of Buddhism that have produced profound religious thought concerning the human dimension should have much potential for future development. And, in this age of globalization, ethically strong Christian denominations could raise their voices on the religious-political stage as relative newcomers on the scene, even though less than 1% of the population has joined Christian churches. References ATE, N. (2010). 21st Century Skills: How can you prepare students for the new Global Economy? Cai, Z. Q. (2001). A Chinese literary mind: Culture, creativity and rhetoric in Wenxin Diaolong. Stanford University Press. De Nicolás, A. T., & Ignatius, S. (1986). Powers of Imagining: Ignatius of Loyola: A Philosophical Hermeneutic of Imagining Through the Collected Works of Ignatius De Loyola With a Translat. SUNY Press. Eguchi, T., Ooguri, H., & Tachikawa, Y. (2011). Notes on the K3 Surface and the Mathieu group M 24. Experimental Mathematics, 20(1), 91-96. An Publications Trading Company Gourko, H. (1991). SCIENCE AND MORALS IN NON-WESTERN CULTURED TRADITION. Monismus oder Pluralismus der Rechtskulturen?: anthropologische und ethnologische Grundlagen traditioneller und moderner Rechtssysteme, 12, 307. Haihong, G. (2003). Real Exchange Rate and Economic Growth: A Test of the Balassa- Samuelson Hypothesis Using the Bounds Testing Approach [J]. World Economy, 7, 000. Nakayama, H., Kuroda, H., Fujita, J., Ru, X. M., & Kitamura, Y. (1989). Kidney proximal tubule cells originate from approximately four progenitor cells and make distinct patches in mouse aggregation chimeras. Development, growth & differentiation, 31(1), 79-83. Rapp, D., Muller, P. M., Malamud, H., Kerrisk, J. F., Yaes, R. J., Zinn, J., & Glaser, P. E. (1977). Solar power from satellites—some questions. Physics Today, 30, 9. Reist, K. K. (2004). The Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895: Perceptions, Power and Primacy (review). China Review International, 11(2), 456-459. Takagi, F. (1964). Japanese Numerology: Secrets of Your Birth Day. Jap Nakayama, S. (2008). Ho Peng Yoke, Reminiscence of a Roving Scholar: Science, Humanities and Joseph Needham. East Asian Science, Technology, and Medicine, (28), 94-95. Takeda, K., Nagata, S., Kishiyama, Y., Tanno, M., Higuchi, K., & Sawahashi, M. (2009, April). Investigation on optimum radio parameter design in layered OFDMA for LTE-Advanced. In Vehicular Technology Conference, 2009. VTC Spring 2009. IEEE 69th (pp. 1-5). IEEE. Read More

It has been assigned twenty two number vibrations ranging from 1-400 (Takagi, 1964). Numerology in Japan Numerology in Japan dates back to thousands of years as well as various forms of it may be discovered in almost all cultures. It is maybe, one of the most ancient ways of uncovering the future. It is a kind of transcendental science, just like astrology, however it is simpler to understand. It is therefore easy to carry out the standard computations once you understand the process. The reality is that many people have no trust in the numerology process.

However, one cannot deny the fact that a few mathematicians have analyzed this science and actually taught it. While astrology depends on the position of the sun, moon and planets at a specific time, to predict the long run, numerology is dependent on figures to predict the future of a human being. Numerology fundamentally uses and evaluates the letters in ones name along with their birth dates in order to provide an individual with insights about their purpose in life, inherent skills, motivations, together with their strengths and weakness.

In numerology, every letter of the alphabet is designated a certain digit. A being the primary character of the alphabet is connected with digit 1. In a similar manner, e is associated with the digit 5. However, in a situation whereby the total figures linked with an alphabet is more than one digit; both of these digits are combined to form a solitary root digit. An example is the letter L it lies 12th in the alphabetical order. In numerology, the numbers 1 and 2 summed to provide 3, therefore, the numerological number associated with the letter L is 3.

Similarly, persons whose birth dates tend to be 1, 10, 19, and 28 have in common the same basic numerological number 1 because each of them put together make the identical basic number. This therefore concludes that figures cannot be avoided. They occur in our everyday lives from Phone numbers, bank accounts directions, bus routes, internet protocol addresses, and many others, have digits in them. Colors and shades seemingly play an important role in numerology. Orange, yellow, and gold seem to be lucky colors for those with numerological digit 1.

In the other hand, the worst colors for these people are black and maroon. Symbols of numbers in Japan In the Japanese community, there are superstitions as far as numbers are concerned. There are several unlucky numbers in Japanese. Traditionally, 4 and 9 are unlucky. Number Four, pronounced shi, is also used for death. Number Nine, pronounced ku, is also used to mean suffering. Number Thirteen is also believed to be an unlucky number, although this concept has been imported from the West. Because of this, some people have deliberately avoid these numbers in public places such as hotels, lifts and hospitals especially the maternity section where the number 43 is avoided since it literally means still birth.

Superstitions are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and its people’s history and are very common among the Japanese. They have a basis in the custom norms and culture of the Japanese and came in handy when imparting practical teachings and advice. Others however have been borrowed or adopted from different cultures. The superstition about a black cat that crosses your path is one common example. Other Asians cultures also have the same beliefs just like the Japanese, especially the Chinese, who closely share similar historical ties and cultural connections.

Number four which is considered an unlucky number is an example, which rhymes with the word death in Japanese. These superstitions are closely related to Japanese language. Objects that have names with words like suffering and death are totally seen as unlucky. Also a significant section of Japanese superstition is deeply rooted in its ancient Pagan culture which believes that some living things and also natural occurrences have spiritual powers. Therefore these superstitions that revolve around animals either depict good fortune or bad luck.

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