Hello. I have three (basically) issues I’d like a proper understanding in from an EXPERT in Shinto.

 

First: What is the religious significance in the mutual bowing that often occurs in Japan – if any? Or is it just a non-religious “sign of respect” like shaking hands?

 

Second: Is there any basis of the mutual bowing on an authentic Shinto religious text? Or is it simply a custom handed down in the religion “since time immemorial?”

 

Third: I have noticed that sometimes the bow from the one side is much lower than the bow of the other side? Does this have any authentic basis in any Shinto religious text? Does the one who bowed “less” have a superior religious status in Shinto? Or is it also simply a custom handed down over the generations?

 

These are some questions that I would like a good answer to from someone who’s a real expert in Shinto.

 

Thanks.

 

Binsolly