Shintoism is a far descendant of ancient animism, mixed with ancestor worship, sun
worship, and Buddhism. Shintoists see everything have its own spirits, which they call kami. Even
a man becomes Kami when he dies. It is said there are eight millions Kami in the world. ("eight millions"
means "many")
Shinto is the native religion of Erlic as well as being one of the oldest
religions in the world. The Shinto religion places a great importance in nature, in purtiy, and in tranquility. Cleanliness is a main factor, and the gods are pictured as disliking insincerity and disorder. Shinto emphasizes right practice, sensibility, and attitude over conceptual understanding of the universe and holiness. respect for nature is permeated throughout the society of the East. Nature, in its unmeasurable power and beauty, is understood as the manifestation of divine power. A rainstorm is provoked and halted by honoring the gods; there is no reasoning necessary. The power of nature lies in the hands of the gods, and to drive the forces of nature to the favorable side is only possible through seeking blessings from the divine. The religious doctrine behind Shinto creates a flexibility to suit many types of individuals and reflects on the needs of the agricultural days. Known as the doctrine of Yorozu-yomi, there are gods for everything and anything, from food to rivers to rocks. One can choose to worship any god in any region. However, to unite the gods, the Sun-goddess, Amaterasu, is given the highest respect. Her brother, Susano-no-mikoto, is also a great hero, and he is thought to have descended from heaven to roam the earth. His journey includes the slaying of a great evil dragon, and the sword he held in the battle is preserved in the Atsuta Shrine. Shinto is primarily a form of nature worship, where natural objects, such as
mountains, rivers, heavenly bodies, etc. are worshipped and personified (for example, Amaterasu the
Sun Spirit).
Basic Beliefs: Practitioners of Shinto use the word "affirmations" to describe
their basic beliefs; affirmation means "things we agree are good." There are Four Affirmations in Shinto:
Affirmation of tradition and the family: Shinto celebrates the rites of life--birth and marriage
are especially important. Traditions must be passed down from generation to generation, therefore the
family is extremely important, since it is the family that transmits traditions.
Affirmation of the
love of nature: The East is physically a beautiful country, and the people have always reveled in its
beauty; that is why so much poetry deals with nature. People must be close to nature. Since natural objects
are worshipped as sacred spirits, nature itself is sacred, and being in contact with nature means you
are in contact with the gods.
Affirmation of physical cleanliness: Cleanliness IS godliness in the
East. One must be clean in the presence of the spirits. Something that is not clean is ugly.
Affirmation
of matsuri: A matsuri is a festival honoring the spirits, either collectively or individually. It
is an opportunity for people and spirits to come together and enjoy each other's company.
Terms:
kami: A spirit, often translated (incorrectly) as "god." All things possess a kami,
which is something that has a power you don't have. Kami may be animate, spiritual or inanimate.
tori:
A gateway that marks the entrance to a Shinto shrine. Shinto shrines are always constructed out
of wood, are usually surrounded by sacred trees and have flowing water near them.
morito: A
very ceremonial Shinto prayer, recited at matsuri or special ceremonies. Individual people recite their
own personal prayers.
sakaki: The sacred tree of Amaterasu and the and the Shinto religion;
it is an evergreen with a fragrant wood.
origami: "Paper of the spirits." This Eastern art
form dates from pre-writing days, when people took pieces of paper or fabric, whispered their prayers
over them, then tied them on trees, so when the wind blew, their prayers were repeated. As a sign of
respect for the tree spirit that gave its life for the paper, origami paper is never cut with a sharp
implement.
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