Shintoism: History Early Developments
Shintoism: History Early Developments
Shintoism: History Early Developments
Shinto ("the way of the Kami") is the name of the formal state religion of Japan that was first used in the 6th
century C.E., although the roots of the religion go back to at least the 6th century B.C.E. Shinto has no founder,
no official sacred texts, and no formalized system of doctrine.
Belief in kami—sacred or divine beings, although also understood to be spiritual essences—is one of the
foundations of Shinto. Shinto understands that the kami not only exist as spiritual beings, but also in nature;
they are within mountains, trees, rivers, and even geographical regions.
Related to the kami is the understanding that the Shinto followers are supposed to live in harmony and peaceful
coexistence with both nature and other human beings. This has enabled Shinto to exist in harmony with other
religious traditions.
HISTORY
Early Developments
In the 8th century C.E., the Nihonshoki (Chronicle of Japan) and the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) were
written to legitimate the rule of the Yamato clan as descendants of the gods. Using elements of an earlier
mythology, the Yamato rulers created a unified Japan, sanctified by their claims to divinity and supported by a
system of shrines.
Schisms and Sects
Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Korea, and later, China, in the 6th century C.E. Along with Buddhism,
Japan adopted many elements of Chinese culture, including its written language. The name "Shinto" is derived
from the Chinese (shen dao, or way of the gods), and its emergence as a formal tradition was a native response
to Buddhist influence.
Missions and Expansion
Buddhism and Shinto developed side-by-side for many centuries. While Shinto was, in a sense, a state religion,
there were many occasions in which Buddhism also received state support. Systems of equivalency between
Buddhas and kami were developed, and worship of both was normally conducted in the same temple
complexes.
Exploration and Conquest
By the end of the 11th century, there were only twenty-two "official" Shinto shrines, and even at these,
Buddhist deities regarded as the same as specific Shinto kami were worshipped. The imperial line continued but
had little power. Toward the end of the 12th century, the first of the shogun governments was established.
Modern Age
During the Edo period (1600-1868), efforts were made to redefine Shinto as a tradition separate from
Buddhism, and a "National Learning" movement emerged. In 1868, the Meiji emperor was restored to power
and Buddhism and Shinto were forcibly separated. An aggressive, militaristic attitude was supported by "state
Shinto," buttressed by the ancient notion of the emperor as a direct descendent of the deity of the sun,
Amaterasu.
BELIEFS
Gods and Goddesses
Amaterasu - Goddess of the Sun and the Queen of Kami
Izanagi - Forefather of the Gods, also God of Creation and Life
Izanami - Izanagi's wife, also Goddess of Creation and Death
Fujin - God of the Wind
Ame-no-Uzume - Goddess of Dawn and Revelry
Inari - Deity of Agriculture
Suijin - Deity of Water and the Sea
Susano-o - God of Storms
Raijin - God of Thunder and Lightning
Tenjin - God of Scholarship
Hachiman - God of War and protector of Japan and its people.
Omoikane - Deity of Wisdom and Intelligence.
Purity
First of all, human beings are born pure as believed in Shinto. Therefore, keep oneself purified is the most
important thing one has to do in Shinto.
Makoto [sincerity]
Shinto emphasizes Makoto – sincerity in the heart. This concept of Makoto is important to the core beliefs of
the religion and it is the grounding of all ethical thought and behavior in Shintoism.
Harmony with Nature
Since kami is everywhere, nature is kami itself. Seeking harmony with kami, taking care of the environment is a
basic belief in Shinto.
Matsuri [festivals]
Matsuri, Shinto festivals, bind a community together, a grand form of “Tama-Furi”, entertain kami and people
at the same time.
Sapporo Snow Festival: One week in early February
Large snow and ice sculptures are built in the city's centrally located Odori Park during the Sapporo
Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri).
Yokote Kamakura Festival: February 15 and 16
Many igloo-like snow houses, called kamakura, and hundreds of mini kamakura are built at various
locations across the city during this Yokote Kamakura Festival in one of Japan's snow-richest regions.
Omizutori: March 1-14
Omizutori is a Buddhist religious service rather than a festival, held every year at the Nigatsudo Hall of
Todaiji Temple. The most spectacular among its many ceremonies, is the nightly burning of torches on
the balcony of the wooden temple hall.
Takayama Matsuri: April 14-15 and October 9-10 Large and elaborately decorated floats are pulled through the
old town of Takayama. Held in spring and autumn.
Aoi Matsuri: May 15
The Aoi Masturi's main attraction is a large parade of over 500 people dressed in the aristocratic style of
the Heian Period (794-1185) that leads from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines, the festival's host
shrines.
Thinking in the present Shinto is strictly focused on the present. In Shinto, life is about a celebration of what we
know and what we have right now. Even if Shinto followers don’t believe in the afterlife, once a person dies,
they become ancestral Kami which keeps an eye on his offspring, like a guardian angel.
Sacred Narratives
The deities (kami) Izanagi and Izanami gave birth to all things, including the Japanese islands, and also to three
major Japanese gods. One of these is Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The emperors of Japan, and all of the
Japanese people, are believed to be descendents of these kami.
REFERENCES:
https://unshintoismreligionuk.weebly.com/major-branches-of-shintoism.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2063.html
https://www.patheos.com/library/shinto/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism
https://sites.google.com/site/shintoism123/gods-and-goddesses