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Exploring Shinto: Ancient Nature Religion of Japan

Discover the mystical world of Shinto, an ancient indigenous religion of Japan over 1500 years old with roots in Japanese culture, mythology, and nature worship. Learn about the Kami, creation myths, shrine practices, and the different sects within Shinto. Explore the Four Affirmations guiding Shinto beliefs and traditional practices celebrating family, nature, and physical cleanliness. Dive into the rich history and rituals of Shinto and how it intertwines with Japanese culture today.

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Exploring Shinto: Ancient Nature Religion of Japan

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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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