Kami: Spirits or deities in the Shintō tradition, which is indigenous to Japan.
Often described as gods, deities, or spirits.
Present in nature (trees, fields, mountains, etc.) and shrines.
Not depicted in images, symbolized by objects like mirrors.
Shintō Tradition: A way of reverence for the kami, intertwined with Japanese culture.
Came to be named "Shintō" in the 6th century post the arrival of Buddhism in Japan.
Shintō and Buddhism coexist harmoniously in Japan.
Historical Context
Rev. Yukitaka Yamamoto: High priest who performed Shintō prayers at the United Nations in 1969 for the Apollo 11 mission.
Shintō Shrines:
Ise Shrine: Houses the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, central to Japan’s mythic history.
Tsubaki Grand Shrine: Associated with the Earth; has a branch in America since 1987.
Over 85,000 Shintō shrines exist in Japan.
Shintō Practices
Types of Shintō:
Shrine Shintō: Traditional practice in shrines.
State Shintō: Promoted during the Meiji era to strengthen national identity.
Sect Shintō: New religious movements drawing from Shintō traditions.
Examples include Kuruzomikyo, Tenrikyo, and Konkokyo.
Shintō's Universal Reach
Rev. Yamamoto’s Vision:
Believed Shintō could offer universal insights and foster intercultural understanding.
Promoted interreligious dialogue and connections with Unitarian traditions.
International Connections:
Early relationships with American Unitarians.
Active involvement in the International Association for Religious Freedom.
The Tsubaki Grand Shrine a site for international visitors and activities.
Shintō in America
Tsubaki Shrine of America:
Incorporated in California in 1979, later moved to Granite Falls, Washington in 2001.
Merged with Kannagara Jinja to form Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America.
Aims to introduce Shintō to an international audience, emphasizing its universal values.
Conclusion
Shintō, while deeply rooted in Japanese culture, is seen as having the potential for global significance and interfaith dialogue, as advocated by leaders like Rev. Yamamoto.