What makes Japanese religion unique?

In contrast to many monotheistic religions, Shinto does not have absolutes. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits.

japan-guide.com - Shinto - Japan Guide

How does God reveal your spouse to you?

God Will Reveal Your Spouse In the Right Environment. The right environment means being around the right people and spending time in the right...

Last updated Dec 23, 2021

Can soulmate be a husband?

A soulmate can be a friend, a lover, or even a family member, so it's important to let go of the idea that there's necessarily a romantic...

Last updated Feb 15, 2020

Do you really know who the “One” is? Your true Soulmate?

Promotion

Shinto ("the way of the gods") is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people and as old as Japan itself. It remains Japan's major religion alongside Buddhism.

Introduction

Shinto does not have a founder nor does it have sacred scriptures like the sutras or the Bible. Propaganda and preaching are not common either, because Shinto is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and traditions. "Shinto gods" are called kami. They are sacred spirits which take the form of things and concepts important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility. Humans become kami after they die and are revered by their families as ancestral kami. The kami of extraordinary people are even enshrined at some shrines. The Sun Goddess Amaterasu is considered Shinto's most important kami. In contrast to many monotheistic religions, Shinto does not have absolutes. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Consequently, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami. Shinto shrines are the places of worship and the homes of kami. Most shrines celebrate festivals (matsuri) regularly in order to show the kami the outside world. Shinto priests perform Shinto rituals and often live on the shrine grounds. Men and women can become priests, and they are allowed to marry and have children. Priests are aided by younger women (miko) during rituals and shrine tasks. Miko wear white kimono, must be unmarried, and are often the priests' daughters. Important features of Shinto art are shrine architecture and the cultivation and preservation of ancient art forms such as Noh theater, calligraphy and court music (gagaku), a dance music that originated in the courts of Tang China (618-907).

Shinto history

The introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century was followed by a few initial conflicts, however, the two religions were soon able to co-exist and even complement each other by considering kami to be manifestations of Buddha. In the Meiji Period, Shinto was made Japan's state religion. Shinto priests became state officials, important shrines received governmental funding, Japan's creation myths were used to foster a national identity with the Emperor at its center, and efforts were made to separate and emancipate Shinto from Buddhism.

After World War II, Shinto and the state were separated.

Shinto today

People seek support from Shinto by praying at a home altar or by visiting shrines. A whole range of talismans are available at shrines for traffic safety, good health, success in business, safe childbirth, good exam performance and more. Many wedding ceremonies are held in Shinto style. Death, however, is considered a source of impurity and is left to Buddhism to deal with. Consequently, there are virtually no Shinto cemeteries, and most funerals are held in Buddhist style.

Is it OK to have 3 best friends?

There's no “right” number of friends you should have, but research says most people have between 3 and 5 close friends. Friendship is necessary,...

Last updated Aug 3, 2018

How do you hint towards a girl you like her?

Especially if it's a budding relationship, these little actions can be the perfect way to drop hints. Touch your face and hair when you're talking...

Last updated Jul 8, 2021

Promotion

What zodiac signs are obsessive?

While all four fixed signs tend to fixate, the following three signs are the most obsessive in the zodiac. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Taurus is the...

Last updated Dec 26, 2018