Introduction to Shinto

by Aura

shinto.jpgShinto, the native religion/philosophy of Japan, is as old as Japan itself. Shinto encompasses the activities of the Japanese people in worshiping all the deities of heaven and earth.

Origins: Unlike other religions, Shinto does not have a known founder or sacred scripture. Shinto emerged out of the traditions and activities, being called ‘Way of Kami (the deity or the deities)’.

Beliefs: In contrast to many monotheist religions, there are no absolutes in Shinto. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Consequently, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami. [Source]

God: Shinto followers worship various kami (spirits or spirit gods). These sacred spirits take the shape of various landmarks, living things, as well as forces of nature. Humans become kami after they die.

Principles:There are “Four Affirmations” in Shinto:

1. Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Their main celebrations relate to birth and marriage.
2. Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the Gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits.
3. Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often.
4. “Matsuri”: The worship and honor given to the Kami and ancestral spirits.
[Source]

Other sources of information:
Shinto @ Wikipedia
Shinto @ Religious Tolerance
Shinto @ Japan Guide
Shinto @ BBC
What is Shinto?


Posted in Religion on April 8th, 2008

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