Hotoke

Hotoke (仏) is a Japanese term most commonly used to refer to a deceased person. More specifically, it signifies a person who has died and is believed to be on the path to achieving or has achieved Buddhahood. It's a term imbued with Buddhist concepts and beliefs about the afterlife.

Meaning and Usage:

The word hotoke literally means "Buddha" in Japanese. However, its usage differs significantly from referring to the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) or other Buddhas within the Buddhist pantheon. When used in reference to the deceased, hotoke implies the individual is in a state of transition, undergoing a process to become enlightened, or has already attained a state akin to Buddhahood.

This usage reflects the Mahayana Buddhist belief that everyone has the potential to achieve enlightenment. Upon death, the deceased is not simply gone, but rather enters a new phase of existence where they have the opportunity to advance towards liberation. Family members and loved ones perform rituals and practices, such as chanting sutras and making offerings, to assist the hotoke in their journey.

Therefore, addressing a deceased person as hotoke is not merely a sign of respect, but also a recognition of their spiritual journey and a plea for their continued progress towards enlightenment. The term is frequently used in Buddhist memorial services (funerals, memorial services on specific anniversaries of death) and in home altars dedicated to ancestors (butsudan).

Distinction from Kami:

It's crucial to differentiate hotoke from kami, the deities worshipped in Shinto. While both concepts play vital roles in Japanese spirituality, they represent distinct systems of belief. Hotoke are associated with Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation, enlightenment, and the cycle of rebirth, whereas kami are local spirits or deities believed to inhabit natural features, specific locations, or represent ancestral spirits. While syncretism (Shinbutsu-shūgō) has historically blended some aspects of Buddhism and Shinto in Japan, the core meanings of hotoke and kami remain distinct.