"五体投地 (gotai-tochi)" means the act of prostration, which involves placing both hands, both knees, and the forehead on the ground during a bowing ritual. It is considered the most respectful form of worship in Buddhism, as the entire body is humbly placed on the ground. In English, "五体投地" can be translated as "throwing down the whole body on the ground," or simply expressed as "gotai-tochi." The origin of the term "五体投地" comes from the five parts of the body—both hands, both feet, and the head—representing the entire body, while "投地" means to throw oneself onto the ground.
桜田門より我の足元まで 心身ともにひれ伏せ 心身ともに投げ伏せ
"From Sakuradamon to my feet, Bow down in body and mind, Prostrate in body and mind."
これが我国への 挨拶だ
"This is the greeting to our country."
握手など要らんぞ "No need for handshakes."
五体投地が誠の礼儀だ "Prostration is the sincerity etiquette."
