Shintoism is the term for the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of Japan. Shintoism has no founder, no official sacred scriptures, nor fixed creeds, but it has preserved its main beliefs and rituals over time. The word Shintoism came into use to distinguish the indigenous Japanese beliefs from Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century AD.
Shintoism (along with Buddhism) is closely linked to Japanese society and culture. The relationship of Shintoism with other religions in Japan is generally cooperative and harmonious. Shintoists insist on maintaining their own characteristics and inner depth while working for the peaceful coexistence of human beings.
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Aspects of Shintoism
Shintoism is the ethnic religion of Japan that focuses on the belief that spiritual powers manifest in natural places, such as mountains, rivers, and other aspects of nature, including people and animals.
There is no founder of Shintoism, but some of its practices date back to the 8th century. As an ancient religion, Shintoism took hold of small villages and then spread throughout Japan. Eventually, it became a recognized religion.
Shintoism does not have a Bible, but it has several model texts. Shintoism as a system of religion or belief was originally created to distinguish the beliefs of the indigenous Japanese peoples from the beliefs of Buddhism, which began in the 6th century. Therefore, it is possible to practice both Buddhism and Shintoism, as they do not contradict each other.
Basic Principles of Shintoism
At the core of Shintoism are beliefs in the mysterious power of creation and harmonization (musubi) of kami and the true way (makoto) of kami. The nature of kami cannot be fully explained in words because kami transcends the cognitive faculty of man. Dedicated followers are able to understand kami through faith and generally recognize various kami in a polytheistic form.
The kami (gods or spirits) began as the mysterious forces of nature primarily associated with permanent features in the landscape, such as unusual mountains, rocky cliffs, caves, springs, trees, and stones.
Many folk tales have evolved around these sacred places, which often refer to the possession of animals and mainly involve foxes, badgers, dogs, and cats among people. Celestial bodies play only incidental roles as Shinto gods.
Shintoism maintains a generally positive view of human nature. A common Shinto saying is that “man is the child of kami“. First, this means that a person has been given life by kami and that their nature is therefore sacred.
In fact, this divine nature is rarely revealed in man, which gives rise to the need for purification. Secondly, it means that daily life is made possible by kami and, therefore, the personality and life of people deserve respect. An individual must revere the basic human rights of all, as well as their own.
Practices of Shintoism
Shinto ceremonies are intended to attract kami for benevolent treatment and protection and consist of abstinence (imi), offerings, prayers, and purification (harae). Purification, washing with water, symbolically removes the dust and impurities that cover the inner mind.
A traditional Japanese house has two family altars: one, Shinto, for its kami guardian and the goddess Amaterasu Omikami, and another, Buddhist, for the family ancestors. Pure Shinto families, however, will have all ceremonies and services in Shinto style.
Shintoism does not have weekly religious services. Some may go to the shrines on the 1st and 15th of each month and on occasions of rites or festivals (matsuri), which occur at fixed times during the year. Followers of Shintoism visit the shrine at their convenience; although some devoted hearts pay respect to the shrine every morning.
Shinto shrines are considered the home of kami. The most important building of the shrine is the inner shrine (honden), in which a sacred symbol called shintai (“divine body”) or mitama shiro (“symbol of the divine spirit”) is enshrined.
The usual symbol is a mirror, but sometimes it is a wooden image, a sword, or some other object. In any case, it is carefully wrapped and placed in a container. It is forbidden to see it as only the chief priest can enter the interior of the shrine.
Torii | Rituals | Festivals
A torii (gate) stands at the entrance of the shrine grounds. Proceeding to the main approach, a visitor arrives at a purification basin where hands are washed and the mouth rinsed. Normally he or she will make a small offering at the altar (haiden) and pray. Sometimes, a visitor may ask the priest to perform rites of passage or offer special prayers.
Several Shinto rites of passage are observed. The first visit of a newborn baby to the guardian kami, which occurs 30 to 100 days after birth, is to initiate the baby as a new adherent.
The Shichi-go-san festival (seven-five-three) on November 15 is the occasion for five-year-old boys and three and seven-year-old girls to visit the shrine to thank Kami for their protection and pray for their healthy growth.
January 15 is Adult’s Day. The youth in the village often join the local youth association on this day. At this time, it is the day of celebration for Japanese who have reached their 20s.
Japanese people often have their wedding ceremonies in Shinto style and pronounce their wedding vows to kami. However, Shinto funerals are not common, due to Shintoism’s concerns about ritual purity. Most Japanese have their funerals in Buddhist style.
Some Information About the Religion
- The name “shinto” derives from the Chinese “shin tao“, which means “way of the gods”;
- There are at least six Shinto sects, namely: 国家神道 (kokkashindō), 神社神道 (jinjashindō), 皇室神社 (kōshitsu jinja), 民俗神道 (minzokushindō), 宗派神社 (shūha jinja) and 古神道 (koshindō);
- In Shintoism, transgressions and wrongdoings are considered impurities that must be cleansed for mental tranquility;
- In jinjas (temples), it is considered taboo to do anything wrong there;
- When a child is born in Japan, their name is included in a jinja, making the child a “family child”. When the person dies, they become a “family spirit”;
- The gods of Shintoism are mostly guardians of people. However, some may be malevolent;
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