SHINTOISM

Shintoism:

Shintoism is a religion that is based in Japan, Shin meaning “kami” or “gods” and to meaning “path” so it means the “kami way” or the path of the gods. is as old as Kojiki and Nihon Shoki ( or the Chronicles of Japan). This religion is more about nature and power as their ways are nature-centric and animistic.

This religion is an overall perspective more than a simple list of Shinto beliefs. This perspective - referred to by the phrase mono no aware - is a uniquely Japanese way of seeing the world and its beauty that contains many nuances, which includes:

1. Aesthetic sensitivity - a sense of beauty and of the beautiful
2. Sensitivity toward the aesthetic and the emotional as a basis for looking at life - this includes the sadness or pathos of life as well as joy, happiness and bliss

3. Seeing with the heart into the natural beauty and goodness of all things

Gods and Deities:

The gods in Shintoism are called the Kami. The Kami is a honorific title for greatness and benevolence. Kami can also be manifestations of the sacred in nature or extraordinary people. It is said that everyone has a potential Kami, but not all are referred to as such because it is honorific to certain figures. Here’s a few list of gods in Shintoism

Amaterasu-o-mikami ( sun goddess) – this goddess is also the highest in Shinto mythology and worship
Ameno-minaka-nushi-no-kami (Kami of the center of the Heaven)
Izanagi and Izanami –
Ninigo-no-mikoto (Ruler of Japan) – it is said that the rulers of Japan are a direct descendant of the kami

Term Fact: Shinto also have Priests and they are called Naka-torimochi.

Rituals:

Rituals play an important role in this religion just like all other religions because it is an outward manifestation of the people’s belief in the kami. Most of the rituals are public, but there is this term called Kito. These are prayers are of the devotee’s personal intentions. There are also four elements of worship. These are the:

Norito – public ritual prayers
Harai – purification
Shinsen – offering or temple visit
Naorai – or festivals.

Symbols:

These symbols of Shintoism indicate the existence of good and bad luck and the struggles of human life. Shintoists believe in good and bad luck to be like good and bad spirits. Demons exist in the religion with the purpose of these symbols to fight bad spirits and demons and to also highlight the good spirits that do exist.

Torii Gate (meaning bird perch): - traditionally made of wood or stone, the Torii Gates are gateways to Shinto shrines and designate holy ground. Torii Gates mark the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds and is usually the only indication that you are entering a shrine. To summon the spirits, it is a custom to clap three times and bow three times before entering through the gate.
Hamaya - braided bamboo arrows which symbolise the representation of the struggle against bad and evil luck. Gold Hamaya symbolise good luck and are believed to kill inner demons.
Ofuda - charms or scriptures which provide security for a family. Sold at Shinto shrines, they are believed to bring the bearer and his/her family good luck as well as safety and other promises written on the scripture or charm.
Daruma Dolls - a hollow and round doll modelled to look like Bodhidharama, an Indian monk. It is a traditional custom for the owner to create a life goal and paint one eye and when the owner has completed the goal, they paint the other eye. It’s a positive and motivational tool used to help people focus on achieving their goals.

Texts:

There are various texts within Shintoism, all to teach truths and lessons to its audience. The main texts include: the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), Rokkokushi (Six National Histories), Shoku Nihongi and Nihon Shoki (Continuing Chronicles of Japan), and the Jinno Shotoki (study of Japanese politics and history). In conclusion, Shintoism draws more parallels to the spiritual aspects of Buddhism and Confucianism, and comprises of many similar practices and beliefs.

Others:

Other facts to know about Shintoism

They have local festivals in honor of its own kami. They have Oshogatsu (New Year), Setsubun-sai (beginning of spring season) where priests would throw beans which symbolizes the throwing away of evil and bad luck. The worshipers would then bring it home for good fortune, Haru Matsuri (Spring festival that assures the safety of rice planting), Natsu Matsuri (Summer festival to summon kami to protect crops from heat and pestilence), and Aki Matsuri (Autumn festival where people thank the kami for good harvest).
The Grand Shrine of Ise (Isejingu) is the highest Shinto temple in terms of importance.
Yasukuni Shrine is a famous memorial shrine where the buried people who have served Japan even at the expense of their lives are placed.