Exploring Shinto: Japan's Sacred Tradition

1. Chapter 10: Shinto • Way of the Kami: • Shinto is Japan’s native religious tradition. • Shinto emphasizes the ritual dimension over the doctrine. • The kami,divine ancestors of the Japanese and sacred inhabitants of the land, include deities and certain human beings, as well as natural elements like mountains and animals. • Shinto has no sacred scripture, but it does have authoritative histories containing a cosmology and an account of human origins. • Shinto considers nature in all its manifestations to be sacred, and this sacredness is worshipped in its embodied form of kami.

2. Shinto in the Religious Life of Japan • Shinto worship focuses on simple expression of respectful gratitude to the kami, and to the experience of unity with them. • Worship can take place in the home, at shrines, or during large seasonal festivals. • Shinto shrines have a natural beauty and are found throughout Japan. • The shrine entrance is marked by an archway called a torii, which is recognized worldwide as the symbol of Shinto. • The most notable Shinto festivals are the Great purification and the festival of the New Year.

3. Cont. • 3 main types of Shinto can be identified today: • 1. Shrine Shinto: organized institution, with officially designated shrines and priests. • 2. Sect Shinto: organized, but consists of a wide variety of separate institutions, or “sects.” • 3. Popular Shinto: includes many of the practices of the other types, but lacks any formal organization.

4. Recap of Shintoism • Shinto (also Shintoism) is the term for the indigenous (population groups with ancestral connections) religious beliefs and practices of Japan. • Shinto has no founder, no official sacred scriptures, and no fixed creeds, but it has preserved its main beliefs and rituals throughout the ages. • The word Shinto, which comes from the Chinese shin tao, meaning "the way of kami", came into use in order to distinguish indigenous Japanese beliefs from Buddhism, which had been introduced into Japan in the 6th century AD. • Shinto (together with Buddhism) is intimately tied to Japanese society and culture.

5. Cont. • Shinto's relationship with other religions in Japan are generally cooperative and harmonious. • Shintoists insist on maintaining their own characteristics and inner depth while working toward the peaceful coexistence of human beings. • Beliefs: Polytheism based on the kami, ancient gods or spirits. • Practices: Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home. Purification rituals.

6. “The Nature of the Kami” • Brainstorm together: • “What makes you feel holy or what do you see that makes you think of the word holiness?” • Nature Walk/Meditation…. • Shinto considers nature sacred. • Focus on “natural” objects…… • Write one paragraph (5-7 sentences) • Does being outside in a beautiful place help you feel closer to the divine (or God)? • Why or Why not?

7. Discussion • What is your opinion on the Eastern religions we have learned?