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

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

Izanagi (“male”) & izanami (“female”) (brother & sister) create the islands of Japan Shinto Mythology Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess Mother of the first emperor of Japan

Three kinds of Shinto 1.Shrine/Folk Shinto 2.State Shinto 3.Sect Shinto

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)kamidana

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

Sect Shinto 13 recognized sects NGOs Many founded in 19 th century Specific founders and texts Unique teachings and practices Some combine Shinto with influences from Buddhism or other religions

The Four Affirmations Tradition and Family Love of Nature Physical cleanliness Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor the Kami

Shinto Practices Tradition and Family Life cycle celebrationsLife cycle celebrations take place at shrines: Newborn’s first visit to shrine 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)

Shinto Practices Love of Nature: Annual cycle of seasonal festivals Physical Cleanliness: Misoji - Water purification rites to wash away impurity, thus restoring original purity Misoji

Shinto on the Web Ancient Japan: Shinto Creation Stories T.HTM T.HTM Visit a Shinto shrine on-line: Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America The Shinto Online Network Association d=2 (“What is Shinto?”) d=2