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Shinto
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion. It started
about 500 BC (or earlier) and derived its name from the Chinese words
"shin tao" ("The Way of the Gods") in the 8th century . At that time
Shinto established itself as an official religion of Japan, along with
Buddhism.
Unlike most other religions, Shinto has no real founder, no written
scriptures and a very loosely-organized priesthood.
Shinto creation stories tell of the history and lives of the "Kami"
(deities). Among them was a divine couple, Izanagi-no-mikoto and
Izanami-no-mikoto, who gave birth to the Japanese islands. Their
children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. Amaterasu
Omikami (Sun Goddess) was one of their daughters. She is the ancestress
of the Imperial Family and is regarded as the chief deity. Her shrine is
at Ise. Her descendants unified the country.
The Kami are the Shinto deities. However, the Kami bear little
resemblance to the gods of monotheistic religions. There are no
concepts like the wrath of God, his omnipotence and omni-presence, or
the separation of God from humanity due to sin.
Some deities belong to a certain place, while others are linked to
natural phenomenons or things, for example food, rivers or rocks.
They are seen as generally benign; they sustain and protect the people.
About 84% of the population of Japan follow two religions: both Shinto
and Buddhism. Buddhism first arrived in Japan from Korea and China
during the 6th through 8th centuries. The two religions share a basic
optimism about human nature, and for the world. Within Shinto, the
Buddha was viewed as another "Kami". Meanwhile, Buddhism in Japan
regarded the Kami as being manifestations of various Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas. Most weddings are performed by Shinto priests; funerals
are performed by Buddhist priests.
Some other details.
Ancestors are worshipped. All of humanity is regarded as "Kami's child."
Thus all human life is sacred. Believers revere "musuhi", the Kamis'
creative and harmonizing powers. They aspire to have "makoto", sincerity
or true heart. This is regarded as the way or will of Kami.
Morality is based upon that which is of benefit to the group.
Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the
Gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits.
Shinto recognizes many sacred places: mountains, springs, etc.
Each shrine is dedicated to a specific Kami who has a divine personality
and responds to sincere prayers of the faithful. When entering a shrine,
one passes through a Tori a special gateway for the Gods. It marks the
demarcation between the finite world and the infinite world of the Gods.
An altar, the "Kami-dana" (Shelf of Gods), is given a central place in
many homes.
Origami ("Paper of the spirits") is a Japanese folk art in which paper is folded into beautiful shapes. They are often seen around Shinto shrines. Out of respect for the tree spirit that gave its life to make the paper, origami paper is never cut.
Shinto is a tolerant religion which accepts the validity of other religions. It is common for a believer to pay respects to other religions, their practices and objects of worship.
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ZEN, an inspiring film about Dogen, the founder of
Zen Buddhism
in Japan.
Pictures and story, click
HERE.
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