Honzon

Alright kiddo, listen up! A honzon is like a special picture or statue that some people in Japan use to pray to a certain god or Buddha. It's like having a really important symbol or icon to help you focus your thoughts and feelings when you're talking to someone you really look up to, like your grandma or your teacher.

For example, let's say you really love the story of the Buddha and you want to think about him when you pray. You might get a honzon that shows a picture or statue of Buddha as a way to help you feel close to him and to keep your mind on your prayers when you're talking to him.

Some people in Japan even believe that the honzon can hold a special power or energy that comes from the god or Buddha it represents. So when they pray or meditate in front of a honzon, they feel like they're tapping into that energy and they can become more peaceful or enlightened.

So basically, a honzon is like having a special picture or statue that helps you feel close to someone you admire, and maybe even helps you receive some of their special energy when you're praying or meditating. Pretty cool, huh?