Shinto, the indigenous faith deeply rooted in the culture and spirituality of Japan. This blog post shines a light on its long history, unique spirituality, and mystical allure, inviting readers on a profound journey into the world of Shinto. Discover a world where gods are found in nature, ancestors are revered, and harmony with the divine is sought in everyday life – a spiritual homeland for the Japanese people. Join us as we explore the multifaceted charm of Shinto and open the door to its mysterious realm.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The History and Origins of Shinto – Transformations from Ancient Times
An Unnamed Faith: Shinto Before Written Records
Shinto’s roots lie in the indigenous beliefs of Japan’s prehistoric era, predating written records. Early Shinto had no specific name, fixed doctrines, moral codes, or scriptures. In this era, religious beliefs and practices were unnamed, without concrete doctrines or sacred texts, and centered around nature worship. The gods of Shinto, known as “kami,” were believed to permeate the natural world. Unique and awe-inspiring trees, mountains, rivers, and rocks were all considered kami. Humans with exceptional abilities, such as great warriors or poets, could also be recognized as kami.
During the Yayoi period (c. 400 BCE – 300 CE), the introduction of rice cultivation elevated rice to a sacred status as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. This gave rise to early ritualistic practices that would become the forerunners of recognized religious traditions in later Shinto. The people of the Yayoi period began to forge a deeper relationship with nature through their agricultural practices. They believed in kami, or spirits, associated with natural elements such as mountains, trees, rivers, and harvests. These early Shinto beliefs revolved around the idea that spirits resided in the natural world, bringing both blessings and potential disasters. Rituals and offerings to these kami were crucial for gaining favor and ensuring good harvests, thus laying the groundwork for Shinto’s animistic aspects.
The Kofun period (c. 250 – 538 CE) saw the rise of powerful clans (“shizoku”), each worshipping their own guardian deity, known as “ujigami”.
Spring prayers for good harvests and autumn harvest festivals were the main festivals dedicated to these clan deities. Small states gradually formed across the land in ancient times, and by the mid-4th century, a state led by ancestors of the current Imperial family is believed to have been established. The basic unit of society at the time was the “uji” (clan), and the head of each clan was responsible for enshrining and worshipping the clan’s ujigami.
The Influence of Buddhism and Confucianism: The Birth of the Name “Shinto”
When Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century, the need arose to distinguish the indigenous faith from Buddhism and Confucianism, leading to the coinage of the term “Shinto” (神道, Shintō). This word derives from two characters: “shin” (神), meaning “god” or “divine,” and “dou” (道), meaning “way” or “path,” thus translating to “the Way of the Gods”. Buddhism spread rapidly, and in its early stages, local deities tended to be seen as manifestations of Buddha. By the 8th century, a tendency emerged to interpret Shinto from a Buddhist perspective, with Shinto gods being regarded as guardians of Buddhism. Consequently, shrines dedicated to local deities were sometimes built within the precincts of Buddhist temples.
The Era of Syncretism (Shinbutsu-shugo): Fusion and Change
From the Nara to the Heian periods (8th to 12th centuries), Shinto and Buddhism became deeply intertwined, resulting in a unique religious phenomenon known as “Shinbutsu-shugo”, or the syncretism of kami and Buddhas. Scenes of temples being built within shrine precincts, Buddhist statues being worshipped as gods, and Buddhist scriptures being recited before kami were not uncommon. The theory of “Honji-suijaku-setsu”, which posited that Shinto gods were manifestations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, became widely accepted. For example, Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, came to be equated with Dainichi Nyorai, the Sun Buddha.
Shinto Revival and State Shinto: Modern Movements
From the 18th century onwards, fueled by rising nationalistic sentiments, a movement to exclude foreign-originated thoughts and customs and to respect Japan’s ancient traditions gained momentum, paving the way for the Shinto Revival. Scholars such as Motoori Norinaga and Hirata Atsutane emphasized the uniqueness of Shinto. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), the government, aiming to promote national unity centered on the Emperor, positioned Shinto as the state religion. The influence of Buddhism was eliminated, shrines were placed under government control, and citizens were encouraged to worship the Emperor as a divine figure. Shinto was positioned not as a religion but as a means to cultivate national morality and patriotism.
Modern Shinto: Diverse Forms of Faith
Before 1946, two forms of Shinto existed: State Shinto and Sect Shinto. However, after World War II, State Shinto was abolished, and the separation of religion and state was established. Today, diverse forms of Shinto, such as Shrine Shinto, Sect Shinto, and Folk Shinto, maintain their respective beliefs. Many Japanese people participate in various Shinto customs and festivals even without identifying with a specific religious affiliation.
The sacred object of Izumo Daijingu Shrine in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture
Chapter 2: The Spirituality of Shinto – Harmony Between Nature and the Gods
Eight Million Gods (Yaoyorozu no Kami): A Diverse Concept of the Divine
In Shinto, it is believed that countless gods (“kamigami”), often expressed as “eight million” (“yaoyorozu”), reside in all things and phenomena of the natural world. This is not a literal number but signifies an immeasurable multitude of deities. These kami encompass a wide range of entities, including the forces and landscapes of nature, as well as the spirits of revered deceased individuals. In early Shinto, heavenly kami (“amatsukami”) were considered more noble than earthly kami (“kunitsukami”), but this distinction is no longer emphasized in modern Shinto.
Nature Worship: Gods Residing in All of Creation
At the core of Shinto spirituality lies nature worship. All elements of nature – mountains, rivers, seas, forests, rocks – are considered manifestations of the divine and are objects of worship. Importance is placed on respecting harmony with nature and appreciating its blessings. Shinto is an ancient Japanese philosophy and practice that teaches people how to respect nature and live in harmony with it. Shinto emphasizes the worship and appreciation of the land and natural elements, while also reminding us that we are part of nature and can only elevate our spirits by reconnecting with our surroundings.
Ancestor Veneration: The Connection with Ancestors
Ancestor veneration is another crucial element of Shinto. The spirits of the deceased are believed to become “kami” and continue to influence the living. A household altar called a “kamidana” is often established to enshrine ancestral spirits, and the connection with ancestors is maintained through daily offerings and prayers. In Shinto, when a person dies, their spirit joins the ranks of kami, and ancestral spirits become important spiritual entities. Most ancestral kami are not widely known beyond their direct descendants who worship them in small family shrines.
Purity and Purification (Kegare and Harai): Valuing a Pure Heart
In Shinto, “kegare”, or impurity, is avoided as something undesirable, and maintaining a state of purity is emphasized. Kegare is thought to arise from everyday occurrences such as injuries, illnesses, environmental pollution, menstruation, and death, whether intentional or unintentional. Rituals to purify this impurity (“harai”) are performed, using various methods such as water, salt, and prayers by Shinto priests. A principle of Shinto is that we come into this world in a pure state as children of the kami. Maintaining this purity in this world, in this lifetime, is our primary mission. In living, we experience impurities, or kegare, through our six senses (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body, and mind). Purification rituals are called Harae.
Harmony with the Gods: Daily Prayers and Gratitude
In Shinto, daily prayers and gratitude are considered important for maintaining harmony with the gods and receiving their blessings. The relationship with the gods is deepened through visiting shrines, participating in festivals, and offering prayers at home. Followers of Shinto believe in kami and living in harmony with them. It means not just harmony with “sacred” beings, but harmony with all life, the world, and the universe.
Chapter 3: The Veil of Mystery – Myths, Legends, and Rituals
Creation Myth: The Beginning of Japan
The creation myths of Japan are detailed in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters, 712 CE) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan, 720 CE), Japan’s oldest historical texts. These myths tell the story of the universe’s beginning, the birth of the first gods, and the formation of the Japanese archipelago. According to the Kojiki, the universe began as a chaotic mass. Eventually, lighter particles rose to form the High Plain of Heaven (Takamagahara), and heavier particles formed the Earth. The first gods to appear were single deities without gender, known as Hitorigami. Later, the male deity Izanagi and the female deity Izanami appeared, and they worked together to create the Japanese islands.
Stories of the Gods: Amaterasu, Susanoo, Izanagi and Izanami
The stories of the sun goddess Amaterasu, the god of storms and seas Susanoo, and the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami are important elements that highlight the mystique of Shinto. These gods sometimes exhibit human-like emotions and behaviors, and their stories provide lessons and insights for people. For example, the famous story of Amaterasu, saddened by her younger brother Susanoo’s unruly behavior, hiding in a heavenly rock cave, plunging the world into darkness, is well-known. Also, the tale of Izanagi going to the land of the dead (Yomi) to retrieve his deceased wife Izanami suggests the concept of death and rebirth.
Mystical Rituals: Festivals, Prayers, and Offerings
Various rituals exist in Shinto to enshrine the gods and offer gratitude and prayers. Festivals (“matsuri”) are important occasions for praying for the prosperity and abundance of the local community and for fostering interaction between the kami and people. Prayers (“norito”) are spoken words conveying wishes and gratitude to the gods, and offerings (“sonaemono”) such as rice, sake, fish, and vegetables are presented to show respect to the deities.
Sacred Places: The Role of Shrines
Shrines (“jinja”) are sacred places where the kami reside, and the “torii” gate is known as a symbolic gateway separating the sacred realm from the human world. Within the shrine precincts, there is often a “chozuya” for ritual purification by washing hands and mouth, a “haiden” (worship hall) for offering prayers, and a “honden” (main sanctuary) where the “shintai”, the object believed to house the spirit of the kami, is enshrined. Shrines serve as the central place of worship for local communities, playing an important role as venues for festivals, rituals, and prayers.
Chapter 4: Journey Through Time – Visiting Ancient Shrines with Unknown Founding Dates
Hana no Iwaya Shrine (Mie Prefecture): A Giant Rock Enshrining Izanami
“Hana no Iwaya Shrine” in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, is said to be one of Japan’s oldest shrines, mentioned even in the Nihon Shoki, although its exact founding date is unknown. It enshrines Izanami, the goddess who gave birth to the land, and Kagutsuchi, the fire god, and is believed to be the place where Izanami was buried after dying from giving birth to Kagutsuchi. There is no main hall; instead, a giant rock, 45 meters high and 80 meters wide, is worshipped as the sacred object. Twice a year, a festival called the Great Rope Hanging Ritual (“Otsunakake Shinji”) is held, where a massive 170-meter-long rope made by local residents is hung between a concrete pillar (formerly a sacred pine tree) and the 45-meter-high rock face, which is said to block the entrance to the land of the dead.
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine (Shimane Prefecture): The Myth of the Land Transfer and the God of Marriage
“Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine” in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, is an ancient shrine whose founding date is unknown, but its name appears in both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, indicating its long history. It is known as the setting for the myth of the land transfer and enshrines Okuninushi no Okami. Okuninushi is widely revered as the god of marriage. While people typically clap their hands twice when praying at shrines, Izumo Taisha has a unique custom of clapping four times. The founding date of Izumo Taisha is unclear, but records compiled around 950 CE describe it as the tallest building in Japan, standing approximately 48 meters high.
Ise Grand Shrine (Mie Prefecture): The Sacred Site Enshrining Amaterasu Omikami
“Ise Grand Shrine“ is a collective term for 125 shrines centered around the Inner Shrine (Naiku,) and Outer Shrine (Geku,). Its founding date is unknown, but it appears in documents from the 3rd century, indicating a very old history. The Inner Shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, and is considered one of the most sacred shrines in Japan. The ritual of Shikinen Sengu, the rebuilding of the main sanctuary every 20 years, has been continued for over 1300 years. Known as the spiritual home of the Japanese people, Ise Grand Shrine boasts a history of approximately 2000 years and remains one of the most important and culturally significant shrines in Japan.
Isonokami Jingu Shrine (Nara Prefecture): The Legend of the Sacred Sword and the Rooster
“Isonokami Jingu Shrine” in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, is an ancient shrine whose founding date is unknown, but its name appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. It enshrines the sacred sword “Futsunomitama no Tsurugi”, said to have been used by Emperor Jimmu during his eastward expedition, and in ancient times, it also served as an armory. Within the shrine grounds, chickens, considered messengers of the gods, roam freely. Isonokami Jingu was highly regarded in ancient times, and many members of the Imperial family frequently visited it. It played a significant role, especially in the early history of Japan from the 3rd to the 5th centuries.
Other Ancient Shrines: Each with its Own History and Characteristics
Shirahige Shrine in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is an ancient shrine with an impressive torii gate standing in Lake Biwa, said to have been founded in 420 CE. Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto City is a shrine with a long history dating back to ancient times, surrounded by the Tadasu no Mori forest and famous for traditional festivals such as the Aoi Matsuri. Kamigamo Shrine, also in Kyoto City, is another ancient shrine alongside Shimogamo Shrine, enshrining Kamo Wake-ikazuchi no Okami.
Chapter 5: Mysterious Episodes – Strange Tales Associated with Shrines
Messengers of the Gods: Legends of Animals (Foxes, Chickens, etc.)
In Inari shrines, foxes are revered as messengers of the deity Inari Okami, and many fox statues are dedicated within the shrine precincts. Foxes play an important role in Japanese folklore as creatures possessing wisdom and mystical powers. The chickens at Isonokami Jingu are considered sacred birds that, according to myth, lured the sun goddess Amaterasu out of the rock cave. Their free-roaming presence within the shrine grounds is seen as a sacred sight. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, deer, believed to be messengers of the gods, are carefully protected.
Divine Favors and Miracles: People’s Wishes and the Power of the Gods
It is believed that various divine favors (“goriaku”) can be received at shrines, and people visit with their respective wishes. These range from recovery from illness and business prosperity to finding a good match in marriage. Miraculous episodes, such as long-term illnesses being cured or difficult situations improving, are passed down in the stories of shrines across the country. At some temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage (88 Temples), canes donated by pilgrims whose illnesses were cured remain as testaments to these beliefs.
Divine Retribution and Taboos: Precautions in Sacred Places
In shrines, which are sacred places, disrespectful behavior should be avoided. The concept of “tatari” (divine retribution) for angering the gods exists, and it is believed that disasters will occur if sacred places are defiled or one behaves improperly. Some shrines may also have specific taboos (“kinki”) in place. For example, death is considered impure, so there is a belief that one should avoid visiting shrines for a certain period after a funeral.
Local Legends: Stories Passed Down Through Generations
Each shrine across the country has its own unique legends and stories passed down through generations. These legends are valuable cultural heritages that tell the origin of the shrine, the special characteristics of the enshrined deity, and the deep connection with the local people. For example, Izumo Taisha has a myth that Okuninushi no Okami, who ceded his land, was given a magnificent shrine reaching the heavens as compensation. Ise Grand Shrine has legends about why Amaterasu Omikami chose the land of Ise and stories about the abalone offered to the shrine.
Chapter 6: An Invitation to Shinto – Its Appeal and Significance in Modern Times
Shinto for Us Japanese People
For us Japanese people, Shinto transcends the framework of a mere religion and can be described as our culture and way of life itself. Without specific founders or scriptures, Shinto is deeply rooted in the hearts of the Japanese people as a spirit that values reverence for nature, gratitude to ancestors, and morality in daily life.
Deep Connection with Japanese Culture
Shinto is deeply intertwined with Japan’s traditional culture, customs, and values, influencing various aspects of our lives. Knowledge of Shinto is indispensable for understanding Japanese culture, including festivals, annual events, architecture, and art. Many people choose to have Shinto-style weddings, and many shrines host wedding ceremonies.
The Heart of Respecting Nature
Shinto, with its core belief in nature worship, teaches us to appreciate the blessings of nature and to value harmony with it. In modern times, where environmental issues are becoming increasingly serious, the spirit of Shinto offers important insights for realizing a sustainable society. Shinto is an ancient Japanese philosophy and practice that teaches people how to respect nature and live in harmony with it.
The Spirit of Accepting Diversity
Without specific founders or strict doctrines, Shinto possesses a tolerant spirit that accepts diverse values and beliefs. It has coexisted with other religions and brought diversity to Japanese culture. Many Japanese people are not devout followers of a particular religion but participate in both Shinto and Buddhist rituals at various stages of their lives.
Shinto Alive in Daily Life
The spirit of Shinto is alive not only in special religious events but also in various aspects of daily life. For example, the custom of washing hands before entering a house and saying “itadakimasu” before meals also reflects the spirit of valuing Shinto morality and gratitude.
In Conclusion
How was your journey into the profound world of Shinto? We hope this blog post has helped deepen your interest in Shinto. Shinto is an indispensable element for understanding the history, culture, and spirituality of the Japanese people. We encourage you to take this opportunity to step through the gates of a shrine and experience the mystical charm of Shinto for yourself.
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