Shinto

The Religion of Japan The Religion of Japan Until WWII was the official religion of Japan (linked to divinity of Emperor) Until WWII was the official religion of Japan (linked to divinity of Emperor) Start date not known Start date not known First called Shinto when Buddhism arrived, and people compared the differences First called Shinto when Buddhism arrived, and people compared the differences No founder, scripture, or laws; loosely organized priesthood No founder, scripture, or laws; loosely organized priesthood

Many Deities Each village or clan worshipped any number of gods Each village or clan worshipped any number of gods Shinto means “way of the gods” Shinto means “way of the gods”

Worship of Kami or Spirits Kami are local spirits; some represent particular physical objects (ex. Odd rock or beautiful tree) Kami are local spirits; some represent particular physical objects (ex. Odd rock or beautiful tree) – Amaterasu = Sun Goddess who gave birth to the imperial family, hence “Land of the Rising Sun” – Torii: Symbols of Shinto

Theology Not a fully developed theology Not a fully developed theology Animistic: belief in soul as being distinct from bodies Animistic: belief in soul as being distinct from bodies Does not have a set moral code Does not have a set moral code Shinto Shrines Shinto Shrines Coexist with Buddhism (many Japanese have traditional Shinto wedding and Buddhist funeral) Coexist with Buddhism (many Japanese have traditional Shinto wedding and Buddhist funeral)

Teachings The Four Affirmations The Four Affirmations – Tradition and the Family – Strong Love of Nature – Small gardens and bonsai plants – Physical Cleanliness (Japanese baths) – Matsuri: Worship of the Kami (festivals, ceremonies…even sumo wrestling)