A-un & Komainu: Secrets of Japan’s Shrine Guardians
When you step through a massive vermilion torii gate into a Japanese shrine, you are leaving the profane world and entering a sacred space. But before you reach the main hall to offer your prayers, you will almost certainly pass a pair of stone beasts staring you down from either side of the path. These are the Komainu (lion-dogs), the stoic wardens of Shinto.
While they may look like mere statues to the untrained eye, these creatures hold a profound philosophical significance known as “A-un.” For cultural travelers, understanding the secret language of these guardians transforms a simple shrine visit into a glimpse into the Japanese soul.
The Origins: From Sphinx to Shinto
The lineage of the Komainu is a fascinating journey across the Silk Road. Their ancestors are not native to Japan; rather, they trace their roots back to the lions of India and the Middle East, and potentially even the Egyptian Sphinx. As Buddhism traveled eastward, the concept of the lion as a protector of the dharma (law) traveled with it.
By the time these guardians reached China (Tang Dynasty), they had evolved into the “Chinese Guardian Lions” often seen in Feng Shui. From China, they passed through the Korean Peninsula—the word Koma is actually an archaic term referencing the Korean kingdom of Goryeo, while Inu means dog.
Interestingly, in the Heian period (794–1185), these statues were distinct. The statue with the open mouth was a lion (Kara-shishi), while the one with the closed mouth was the unicorn-dog (Komainu), often depicted with a horn on its head. Over centuries, the visual distinction blurred, the horn largely disappeared, and they collectively became known simply as Komainu.
The Legend of A-un: The Beginning and the End
The most critical feature of the Komainu is not their claws or manes, but their mouths. If you look closely, you will notice that almost invariably, one has its mouth open, and the other has its mouth closed. This is the physical representation of A-un (阿吽).
This concept is rooted in Sanskrit and Esoteric Buddhism:
- “A” (The Open Mouth): The sound “A” is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet. It represents the opening of the mouth, the beginning of the universe, birth, and the start of all things.
- “Un” (The Closed Mouth): The sound “Hum” (transliterated as Un in Japanese) is the last sound. It represents the closing of the mouth, the end of the universe, death, and the ultimate conclusion.
Together, the Komainu symbolize the entirety of the cosmos—the alpha and the omega. They encapsulate the cycle of life and the universe within the shrine grounds, creating a protective barrier that contains all existence between them.
Modern Culture: A-un no Kokyu
The philosophy of A-un has transcended religious statuary and embedded itself in modern Japanese culture and language. There is a common Japanese idiom: “A-un no kokyu” (the breathing of A-un).
This phrase describes a state of perfect synchronization between two people—usually teammates, partners, or old friends—who can communicate without words. It is the ability to anticipate another’s actions instantly. You see this in Sumo wrestling, where the bout cannot begin until the two wrestlers synchronize their breathing. You see it in traditional craftsmanship, where a master and apprentice work in silence, moving in perfect harmony.
In pop culture, the Komainu influence is ubiquitous. From the Pokémon Arcanine (a fire-type dog with lion features) to the guardian deities in anime like Naruto, the image of the protective, mystical beast remains a staple of Japanese storytelling.
Traveler’s Tips: How to Appreciate Komainu
On your next trip to Japan, don’t just walk past these stone sentinels. Here is how to engage with them:
- Check the Mouths: Always identify which is the “A” (right side usually) and which is the “Un” (left side usually). It is a quick check that connects you to the history of the site.
- Look for the Horn: While rare in modern statues, older Komainu (especially at historic shrines like Kyoto’s Kitano Tenmangu) may still feature a bump or a horn on the head of the “Un” beast, a remnant of its unicorn-dog origins.
- Spot the Variations: Not all guardians are lion-dogs. At Inari shrines (like Fushimi Inari), the guardians are foxes (Kitsune). At Hie Shrine in Tokyo, they are monkeys. In rare cases, you may find wolves, boars, or even tigers depending on the deity enshrined.
- The Nursing Mother: occasionally, the Komainu with the closed mouth will have a paw resting on a cub. This represents fertility and the transmission of faith to the next generation.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the mythological roots of Japanese deities and guardians, the following historical texts and resources are recommended:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): While it predates the standardization of stone Komainu, this text establishes the fundamental Shinto pantheon that these beasts protect.
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Offers historical context on the introduction of Buddhism and Korean influence (Goryeo) on Japanese culture.
- Sanskrit Siddhaṃ Scripts: For those interested in the linguistic roots of the “A-un” sounds.
The Komainu are more than just decoration; they are the silent narrators of a history that spans continents, embodying a philosophy that captures the breath of the universe itself.