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What is Shinto?

What is Shinto?. The “Spirit Way” (shin-to) Ancient, indigenous, mythical, nature religion of Japan More 1500 years old No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the Japanese people The root and embodiment of Japanese culture. Shinto Mythology. Two main texts:

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What is Shinto?

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  1. What is Shinto? • The “Spirit Way” (shin-to) • Ancient, indigenous, mythical, nature religion of Japan • More 1500 years old • No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the Japanese people • The root and embodiment of Japanese culture

  2. Shinto Mythology • Two main texts: • Kojiki (myths of ancient times, origins of gods and man) • Nihonji (ancient history of Japan) • Of gods & goddesses: The Kami • Polytheistic • Nature deities – represent and control natural elements and forces • Creation myth – Japan as the center of the world

  3. Shinto Mythology Izanagi (“male”) & izanami (“female”) (brother & sister) create the islands of Japan • Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess • Mother of the first emperor of Japan

  4. Three kindsof Shinto • Shrine/Folk Shinto • State Shinto • Sect Shinto

  5. Shrine Shinto • Jinja (shrines) - Tens of thousands located throughout Japan • Natural structure, fits in with natural surrounding • Torii – entry gate, separates sacred from profane space • Rituals presided over by priest • Household shrines – kamidana(kami shelf)

  6. State Shinto • Meiji period (1868) – end of WWII • Emphasis on Japanese culture and nationality (elimination of foreign influences) • Emperors of Japan as divine • Hierarchy of shrines: • Main shrine at Ise – dedicated to Amaterasu • Palace shrines honoring Amaterasu, other kami, and emperors • Shrines elsewhere dedicated to national heroes • 97% of remaining shrines dedicated to local kami

  7. Sect Shinto • 13 recognized sects • NGOs • Many founded in 19th century • Specific founders and texts • Unique teachings and practices • Some combine Shinto with influences from Buddhism or other religions

  8. The FourAffirmations • Tradition and Family • Love of Nature • Physical cleanliness • Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor the Kami

  9. Shinto PracticesTradition and Family Life cycle celebrations take place at shrines: • Newborn’s first visit to shrine • 7-5-3 festival: blessings for boys age 5, girls ages 3 & 7 • Entry to adulthood (age 20) • Marriage (since Shinto celebrates life in this world, in death, the Japanese turn to Buddhist rather than Shinto rituals)

  10. Shinto Practices Love of Nature: • Annual cycle of seasonal festivals Physical Cleanliness: • Misoji - Water purification rites to wash away impurity, thus restoring original purity

  11. Shinto on the Web • Ancient Japan: Shinto Creation Stories http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ANCJAPAN/CREAT.HTM • Visit a Shinto shrine on-line: Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America http://www.tsubakishrine.com • The Shinto Online Network Association http://jinja.or.jp/modules/pico/index.php?cat_id=2 (“What is Shinto?”)

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