Started as an animistic belief in spirits of nature.
Have been shaped and influenced by Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoist teachings
Three principal characteristics
Shinto Shrine inside the Kyomizu Buddhist Temple Complex
“the revelation of God gives man the basic principles of his social life. Devoting himself to this revealed truth, he tries to live a righteous life..” (Kishimoto 1959: 26)
Mysticism
“A brilliant inner experience within man at the depth of mind…. through this experience man feels harmoniously united with the cosmos law and discovers a new meaning of life”
Ubiquitous and Prevalent
Recognition of a natural world which accommodates myriads of supernatural beings
Supernatural beings = Kami - divine, spirits, above, god- maybe anywhere, have vague and
powerful influence- nature, divine, human and animal
Romanticized a lot about cherry blossoms, the autumn leaves, four seasons, mountains, etc.
Through nature’s sublime beauty, man can feel that cosmic link with everything else , which evokes awe, gratitude, feelings for the sacredness and divine in things
ExamplesFlower viewing (Hanami), Moon viewing, Festival of Shinto or Buddhist character (Matsuri)
Cherry blossoms = a new beginning- Represent dying at the prime of one’s life- Buddhist attitude of detachment
“[that] access to the spirits is afforded through rituals” (Jeremy and Robinson 1989, 13)
Purification
Examples:1. water basin at the entrance of every shrine for visitors to wash their hands and mouth
2. Major cleaning done every end of the year in preparation for New year
Two major holidays in Japan1. New year2. Festival for the Dead ( O-Bon)
- this festivals involves summoning deities to purify and bless the people
Mikoshi or portable shrine being paraded
The festivals, of course, involve the summoning deities
In shinto ceremonies, the deities are believed to temporarily reside in a mikoshi or portable shrine, which gets paraded around the neighborhood to purify and “bless” it.
Mikoshi bearers – believed to be guided by the spirit of Kami
Charms and Talismans- are also ubiquitous as the shrines
and temples themselves- bought during occasional visit to
the shrine or when they have special request
Daruma Dolls- symbol of patience and
perseverance- Daruma (Bodhidharma), the first
Zen buddhist patriarch, sat and meditated for nine years until he achieved enlightenment
Expresion of Gratitudes1. Thanksgiving ceremonies
Examples:Niinamesai (Great offerings of the first fruits)Memorials for combs, knives, calligraphy brushes,
2. Deifying individuals - practice of erecting a shrine or
temple to house the spirit , or as dedication to the soul
3. Itadakimasu - Grace before meal
Yasukuni Shrine
In Japan, ancestors have different classifications.
The venerations rituals may also vary – Shinto or Buddhist, or a syncretism of both.
http://worldreligion.nielsonpi.com/16japan.html