Shinto: The Indigenous Religion of Japan

Overview

• Shinto (Kagara): Indigenous religion of Japan
• Synergistic Influence: Similar to China, where Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism blend, Japan incorporates Buddhism and Confucian teachings.

Historical Context

• 17th Century Nationalism: Japanese scholars sought out a unique, indigenous spirituality
• Shinto Defined: Extracted as the distinct, native spirituality of Japan; means "the way of the Divine"

Beliefs

• Ancestor Veneration: Similar to Chinese traditions
• Pantheism: deity (Theos) is in everything (Pan); all nature is divine

Symbolism

• Torii Gate: Primary symbol indicating entrance to a sacred place

Cosmogeny

• Amatsu Kami: Divine beings standing on a floating bridge, creating land from ocean drops
• Amaterasu: Sun goddess overseeing the new creation
• Divine Essence: Amatsu pour their essence into creation, forming nature

Kami

• Versatile Term: Refers to both personal beings and impersonal Divine reality

Key Concepts

• Kagara: Balance/harmony with Kami and nature, similar to Daoism’s yin and yang

Worship Practices

• Shrines (Sanctuaries): Central holy places accessible only to priests/priestesses
• Iconoclasm: Against worshiping physical images; nature itself is sacred

Ceremonies

• Misoji: Waterfall purification ritual, akin to baptism, cleansing physically and spiritually
• Oharai Ceremony: Broom ritual to sweep away impurity (sui), used in various practical scenarios

Historical Shifts

• State Shinto (Late 19th - Early 20th Century): Patriarchal phase where emperors were worshipped as Kami; merged with political power
• Post-World War II: Fall of State Shinto, resurgence of egalitarian Shinto

Modern Shinto

• Sectarian Shinto: Smaller, contemporary schools
  • Tenryo Shinto: Focus on body-spirit connection for healing
  • Omoto Shinto: Emphasis on arts, especially music, for spiritual harmony

Important Points for Exams

• Compare State Shinto and Sectarian Shinto
• Recognize the symbolism of Torii Gates
• Understand key ceremonies (Misoji and Oharai)