- Does this mean that Minako-chan will become a miko-san?")
- Generally speaking, a miko-sama, but still, considering that it is temporary and that there is no background of being fully devoted to this path of life with all its duties and trials, then if we split hairs, yes, it turns out to be san.
Sonata was very impressed by this fact.
- Is this a common tradition in Nihon when building temples? I never knew about such a thing before. It seems that even at my advanced age, one can continue to learn new things.
- Advanced? - Minako laughed. "- You're being too hard on yourself..."
- No, not common. People try to keep it to a minimum as much as possible, but nature does not always provide people with the luxury of an ideally marked spot around the shintai. If people were guided solely by this, there would be thousands of times fewer such sanctuaries, let alone large temples. Look way over there—do you see that tall, spreading tree? A plane tree. You won't find another like it—or any other at all—either in this grove or in the forest around it. This is an obvious vessel for the local Kami—the shintai to which all of this is attached. It was here that my heart and soul resonated with them most of all. Let's go closer, - she led them toward the haiden, continuing her explanation on the way.
- The fact that it is a "vessel" does not mean they literally "live" there, and if the tree dies, they die too—such a way of thinking is incorrect. However, the shintai represents a physical manifestation of the divine-natural to which people can direct their prayers so that they may be heard. It could be a mountain, a river, a waterfall, a lake, or a cave—there are many options, but if you see something majestic in the nature of a specific area that clearly stands out from the rest of the landscape, then it will almost certainly be a place of concentration for the Kami, where a person can establish a spiritual connection with them. In our case, it is the forest—hence the name "Kamimori"—and the giant tree. Accordingly, having chosen this forest massif as the location and this forest king as the shintai, in the process of construction, it is obviously better to avoid disrupting the established natural system around it as much as possible.
Reaching the double building, she explains:
- Attached to the shintai is the honden—the inner sanctuary. Only a miko may enter there for official business; the way is closed to ordinary people. So, I won't be able to show it to you... Although, when Minako-chan takes her post, it will become possible for her. There won't be much to do there—just dusting once a week. And this is the haiden—parishioners are allowed here, provided they remove their dirty boots. Here is the offering box, - she shows and explains the prayer scheme, while also trying to determine if the Lord has already worked on it or not yet. - ...over there is the place I marked for private conversations, or "confessions," if you will. In general, you can quite actually do this too, Minako-chan; a spiritual rank is not required for this, only honesty and a kind heart. People who come for advice need understanding and direction above all—but not permissive agreement. Therefore, if you happen to receive a person in this regard, be sincere and do not hesitate to say what you think if you feel it can help and bring them benefit. That is exactly why they will come here—in a foggy period for their soul; insincere or pityingly tactful nodding can already be obtained from friends or loved ones. Absolutely of course, all this within the bounds of propriety and mutual respect. Although, this doesn't require separate stating, I have full confidence in you, - she smiles at her warmly and encouragingly. - Over there are also seats for parishioners in case some rites or readings are held, but that is my concern; you won't need to do anything about that.
Leading them back outside, she points with her sleeve in one direction:
- That building, like... a gazebo... is the maidono. The dance for special occasions is performed there; you won't need that either. But what you will need is... - she led them into the shamusho.

