Shinto Flashcards
The native religion of
Japan
How many Japanese define themselves as Shinto
Over 80%
What does “Born Shinto, Die Buddhist” mean?
They are complementary - many practice both religions
Shinto is a Chinese name for what?
Kami no michi or “The way of the Gods.” NOT the way of the Buddha
In imperial Japan before WW2 it was a
State Religion
Founder/scriptures of Shinto
None
Shinto KAMI
Most are spirits rather than Gods, some are diefied ancestors, understood as “spiritual realm”
The ideal is
A pure and sincere life pleasing to Kami
The land of Japan has what kind of nature
Spiritual
The emperor is what?
Preserver of religion.
Kojiki and Nihongi tell the:
Sacred history of Japan
Izanagi and Izanami:
Creators of Japan
Amaterasu
The goddess of the sun
How did the imperial family emerge?
From Amaterasu’s grandson, in 600 BCE.
ISE Shring
Special because it’s Amaterasu’s shrine
Shinto Beliefs
Optimism, Family and tradition, Bushido
Bushido
Samurai Code
Influenced more by Zen than by Shinto:
Gratitude and courage Justice Truthfulness Politeness Reserve Honor Allegiance
Torii Gate
Represents entrance
Ablution Area
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Pavilian
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Shintai
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Worship
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Purification
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Offering
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Supplication
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Feast (matsuri)
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Parts of a shrine
Torri Gate, Ablution area, pavilion, shintai, worship, purification, offering, supplication, feast.
Shinto Today:
Shinto as a uniting force of Japanese national identity
Goals of modern shinto:
To express gratitude for divine favor, and the benefits of ancestors.
To serve society and others
To identify our minds with the emperors mind and, in loving and being friendly to one another to pray for the country’s prosperity and for peaceful existence
