The Human Soul - Mitsu Tomoe

In my continuing search for understanding to apply it toward correct attitude in my practice and teaching I have discovered that the "tomoe" you see here has additional symbolism as to the three "tadpole" like shapes that make up the center section.

In Japan their shintoist beliefs promote the concept and symbols of the "Three Jewels" being the "sword," the "jewel," and the "mirror." The sword can be symbolic of human's as to the bodies sword represented by the spinal column with the hilt at the base of the skull and the point at the opposite end.

As to the tomoe we are to understand that the jewel is shaped in the same form, a spiralic structure. It is the fundamental structure of creation and a representation of it in humans is a picture of the human fetus at its earliest stage of human being. This particular graphic in Japanese culture is representative intertwined magatama or is better explained and known to represent/symbolize "three-soul" also referred to as the "mitsu-domoe." In the book below it goes into details as to this symbolization of the tomoe and three-soul concept (or the human-soul).

The last is the "mirror" which is the most sacred and referred to as the "looking-glass God." The qualities and properties of the mirror both actual and metaphysical are to great to get into for this post but I would say it to be most enlightening and well worth the effort to get and read this fine book.

Why? Because the more I dig the more I find our martial arts are touched by the "shintoistic" influences the permeate the Japanese culture which would also touch Okinawa and are all derived from the touch of the Chinese culture, beliefs and experiences.