A-Una-un / 阿吽

A concept representing the beginning and end of all things, expressed through paired open and closed-mouth figures.

A-un derives from the first letter "a" (阿) and last letter "hūṃ" (吽) of the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizing the beginning and end of all existence — the origin and return of the universe. This cosmic principle is expressed through the paired open-mouthed (a-gyō) and closed-mouthed (un-gyō) forms of komainu and Niō guardian statues.

The Japanese idiom "a-un no kokyū" (阿吽の呼吸) — meaning perfect, wordless synchronization between two people — originates from this concept. It originally referred to a Buddhist breathing meditation technique harmonizing inhalation (a) and exhalation (un). It's fascinating that such a profound Buddhist philosophical concept has become an everyday Japanese expression for teamwork and intuitive understanding.

• Torii torii / 鳥居

  The iconic gate marking the entrance to a shrine, serving as the boundary between the sacred and secular worlds.

• Ichi-no-Torii ichi-no-torii / 一之鳥居

  The outermost torii gate of a shrine, marking the very beginning of the sacred approach.

• Ni-no-Torii ni-no-torii / 二之鳥居

  The second torii gate along the approach, marking deeper entry into the sacred grounds.

• Sanmon sanmon / 山門

  The main gate of a Buddhist temple, symbolizing the entrance to enlightenment.

• Niōmon niōmon / 仁王門

  A temple gate flanked by fierce guardian statues (Niō) that protect the sacred grounds from evil.

• Zuijinmon zuijinmon / 随神門

  A shrine gate guarded by armed deity statues that serve the same protective role as Niō in temples.

• Rōmon rōmon / 楼門

  A two-story gate structure with an upper level, signifying the grandeur and prestige of a shrine.

• Karamon karamon / 唐門

  An ornate gate featuring a distinctive curved "karahafu" gable, symbolizing the highest architectural prestige.

• Komainu komainu / 狛犬

  A pair of stone guardian creatures placed at shrine entrances to ward off evil spirits.

• A-Un a-un / 阿吽

  A concept representing the beginning and end of all things, expressed through paired open and closed-mouth figures.

• Tōrō tōrō / 灯籠

  Lanterns placed along shrine and temple paths to provide illumination and serve as offerings of light.