Shinto
Shinto is the traditional native religion of Japan. It is considered something of an
animist religion, and has been in existence for more than 2,500 years. Today, most
Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhism—since Shinto focuses on the everyday and
fitting into this world, while Buddhism focuses on the afterlife.
History of Shinto
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Shinto seems to have originated
around 500 BCE—though many
ideas pre-date that era.
It seems to combine a love of
nature with shamanistic beliefs.
It’s name come form the Chinese
‘shin tao’ or “Way of the Gods’.
Unlike most other world religions,
Shinto has not founder, nor formal
scriptures, no religious law, and a
rather information priesthood.
Basic Shinto Beliefs
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Birth of Shinto
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Shinto legend has it that the
divine couple Isanagi-no-mikoto
and Isanami-no-mikoto gave birth
to the Japanese islands.
Their children became the deities
of the major Japanese clans.
Amaterasu Omikami (Sun
Goddess) was one of their
daughters, and she became the
ancestor of the Imperial family.
She is regarded as the chief deity,
and as such, the Japanese
emperor was always seen as
divine.
Like wise, the characters that
make up the name ‘Japan’ mean
‘sun-origin’. Thus the Japanese
flag has a large red circle on it
signifying the sun.
‘Kami’ are gods or spirits. In Shinto,
kami exist in both living and non-living
things, and generally take 4 forms:
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Those related to natural objects
and creatures (rivers, rocks, and
animals)
Guardian kami of particular areas
or clans
Exceptional people (Emperors,
Buddha)
Generally kami are seen as benign
forces that help, sustain, and guide
people. They are not transcendent
deities who have significant powers,
like in Greek or Indian tradition. Kami
are close to humanity, living in the
same world, thinking as humans do.
Believers revere kami’s creative or
harmonizing powers. They aspire to
have sincerity or a true heart. This
trueness of heart is regarded as the
way of Kami.
All of humanity is regarded as kami’s
child. Thus all human life and human
nature is sacred.
Ancestors are to be deeply revered and
worshipped because the deceased
generally become kami.
Morality is based upon that which is
beneficial to the group.
Practices of Shinto
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There are 4 ‘affirmations’ of the
Shinto spirit.
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Impurity & Purification
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Tradition and the family
Respect of nature
Physical cleanliness or
purity
‘Matsuri’ or festival
In the complete absence of any
religious dogma or
commandments, these
affirmations are designed to help
followers live a simple and
harmonious life with people and
nature. Such harmony is the goal
of Shintoism.
Each Shinto shrine is dedicated to
a specific kami who has a divine
personality. Shrines typically
have a Torii, or gateway through
which people enter. Often there
are a pair of stone guardian dogs
(Foo dogs in Chinese, or Koma inu
in Japanese). There are specific
ritual ceremonies, dances and
prayers offered to the kami at the
shrines.
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In Shinto, wrongs deeds are considered
impure. Impurities make kami restless
and dissatisfied, and therefore, people
should want to purify themselves both
for the sake of placating kami, but also
for one’s own peace of mind and good
fortune.
There are many elaborate Japanese
rituals that have been designed for the
purposes of purification. Many personal
purifications involve actual water
cleansing, while others merely involve
prayers or the spreading of salt or rice.
Impact of Shinto
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Shinto & Buddhism
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Shinto and Buddhism, while very
different religions, find co-existence in
Japan. About 84% of the Japanese
population follow both religions.
Both religions share an optimism about
human nature, and in Shinto, the
Buddha is regarded as kami, while in
Buddhism, kami are regarded as
manifestations of various Buddhas.
With Shinto, the Japanese focus on the
everyday, while with Buddhism, they
are able to focus on the afterlife.
Generally Shinto priests preside over
Japanese marriages, while Buddhist
priests officiate at funerals.
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Shintoists generally follow the code of
Confucianism—a Chinese import of the
7th & 8th centuries. Confucianism fits
nicely with the Shinto belief in the
benefit of the group, and it has a
similar societal impact in Japan to that
of China.
Shinto ceremonies include seasonal
celebrations of spring planting and fall
harvest, as well as special
anniversaries.
Sumo wrestlers purify the wresting
ring with salt before a bout to follow
Shinto purification tradition.
Several traditional Japanese arts have
their roots in Shinto. Garden design,
flower arranging, and traditional
architecture all reflect Shinto tradition.
Many Japanese customs or practices
reflect Shinto, such as the emphasis on
proper greetings or respectful phrases,
the use of wooden chopsticks, and the
removal of shoes before entering a
building.
Modern day Japanese anime & manga
draw inspiration from Shinto stories
and tradition.