Shinto

Question 1

Nature of Shinto

Answer 1

The native religion of Japan, inherently
connected to its Japanese context
Over 80% of Japanese define themselves
as Shinto (many both Shinto and Buddhist)
“Born Shinto, die Buddhist.” Complementary religions that have mostly coexisted in history
Shinto is a Chinese name for kami no michi, or “the way of the gods” as opposed to “the way of the Buddha” (need for identification following 6th century CE’s arrival of Buddhism)
State religion in Imperial Japan before WW2

Question 2

Core

Answer 2

No founder, no scriptures
Shinto KAMI, most are spirits rather than gods, some are deified ancestors. Can be understood as “the spiritual realm”
Special words can bring about good
The ideal is a pure and sincere life pleasing to the Kami, purification and cleanliness emphasized
The land of Japan has a spiritual nature
The emperor is the preserver of the religion

Question 3

Shinto Myths

Answer 3

Kojiki and Nihongi tell the sacred history of Japan (written in the 8th century CE)
Izanagi (m) and Izanami (f): creators of Japan
From Izanagi’s left eye
Amaterasu – The goddess of the sun
Amaterasu’s grandson sent to rule on earth. From him emerged the imperial family in 600 BCE
Ise shrine

Question 4

Beliefs

Answer 4

Optimism
Family and tradition, reverence toward nature, cleanliness
Bushido (samurai code)
Influenced more by Zen than by Shinto
Gratitude and Courage – Willing to die for your country
Justice – Duty before desire; selfishness is wrong
Truthfulness – Honesty more important than preservation
Politeness – Even to your enemies
Reserve – Never show feelings or emotions
Honor – Hara-kiri (if defeated or disgraced)
Allegiance – Country before family

Question 5

Shinto Worship

Answer 5

The Shinto Shrine
Torii Gate
Ablution area
Pavilion
Shintai (object)
Worship
Purification
Offering
Supplication
Feast (matsuri)

Question 6

Shinto today

Answer 6

Shinto as a uniting force of Japanese national identity
The goals of modern Shinto
To express gratitude for divine favor and the benefits of ancestors, and with a bright, pure, sincere mind to devote ourselves to the shrine rites and festivals.
To serve society and others and, in the realization of ourselves as divine messengers, to endeavor to improve and consolidate the world.
To identify our minds with the emperor’s mind and, in loving and being friendly with one another, to pray for the country’s prosperity and for peaceful existence and co-prosperity for the people of the world.