Shintoism

3 Pages 868 Words

Shintoism

Shinto, which means the way of the gods, has no real founder, no written scriptures, no main laws, and only a very loosely organized priesthood. Shinto is a native religion of Japan and also one of the oldest religions in the world, dated back to 660 B.C. In Shinto natural objects such as rivers, mountains, and heavenly bodies can be worshipped and personified. It is not an exclusive religion and people may practice Shinto and at the same time any other religions. Shinto creation stories tell about the history and lives of the Kami, which is a spirit. There was a divine couple, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikito, who were known as giving birth to the Japanese islands. One of their daughters, Amaterasu (Sun Goddess), is the ancestress of the Imperial family. Her descendants unified the country. It is known that there are 8 million gods and goddesses, but others have been added. Also, according to Piggot, “The attendants who accompanied ‘the Beloved Grandson’, Ninigi, to Kyushu from the Celestial Plains became Shinto priests.” (38) In Shinto ancestors are deeply valued and worshipped. All of humankind is believed to be Kami’s child. Believers value musuhi, which is the Kami’s creative and harmonizing powers. The Shinto believers seek to have makoto, which is to have true heart. Shintoism has no definite set of theological beliefs or code of morality. As Motoori explains, “It is because the Japanese were truly moral in their practices they require no theory of morals.” Morality and theology was believed to be naturalistic. According to Juliet Piggot, “Early Shinto did not preach moral codes, ‘follow the genuine impulses of your heart’ was the core of the teaching, coupled with obedience to the Emperor.” (38) Through the combination of Shinto and Confucianism the warrior code of bushido developed. The warriors who followed the code of bushido emphasized the importance of loyalty, gratitude, courage,...