What is Shinto?

Summary

This video introduces Shinto, a Japanese religion without a formal doctrine, founder, or sacred texts. Shinto centers on the veneration of Kami, spiritual entities connected to natural elements, ancestors, and objects. The video explains Shinto's roots, its rituals at shrines, and how Kami are perceived. It also explores Shinto's role in Japanese history, its evolution during the Meiji period, and its influence on modern Japanese culture. The video highlights how Shinto emphasizes practice over belief, with many Japanese people participating in rituals without identifying as religious.

Takeaways

• 🌀 Shinto has no formal doctrine, founder, or sacred text, and many who practice it do not identify as religious.
• 🛤️ Shinto translates to 'the way of the Kami,' where Kami can be gods, spirits, natural forces, or even deified humans.
• 🌅 In Shinto mythology, the gods Izanami and Izanagi created the world and various Kami, including the sun goddess Amaterasu.
• 🌿 Kami are not transcendent like gods in other religions; they inhabit both the visible and invisible realms of the world.
• 🔱 Kami are not omnipotent and can either bless or punish humans with events like illness or natural disasters.
• ⏳ Shinto practice dates back to ancient times, with ritual objects and local Kami veneration evolving over centuries.
• 🏯 Shrines (Ginga) are where Kami are venerated, and there are around 80,000 to 100,000 shrines in Japan.
• 🎋 Rituals at shrines include purification, offerings, and prayers, and priests perform ceremonies for visitors.
• 🎎 Many Japanese people participate in Shinto rituals without identifying as religious, reflecting a unique view of religious practice.
• ⚔️ Shinto underwent major transformations during the Meiji Restoration, with State Shinto emerging and being later separated from the state after WWII.

Q & A

What does the word 'Shinto' mean?

'Shinto' can be translated as 'the way of the Kami,' with Kami referring to divine spirits or forces in Shinto belief.

How are Kami different from gods in other religions like Christianity or Islam?

Kami are not transcendent beings like the gods of Christianity or Islam. They are part of the natural world, inhabiting it alongside humans. They are not omnipotent and can be associated with both good and bad forces.

What types of entities or forces can Kami represent?

Kami can represent a wide variety of entities, including natural features like mountains and rivers, natural forces such as wind and fire, sacred man-made objects, and even certain humans who have been deified after death.

What are the three Imperial Regalia in Shinto, and what do they signify?

The three Imperial Regalia are sacred treasures that include a mirror, sword, and magatama (a comma-shaped jewel). They are passed down to the emperor to signify his divine authority, representing Amaterasu's blessing.

How did Shinto practices originate?

Kami veneration can be traced back to the Yayoi period (400 BCE to 300 CE). It began as local practices that focused on rituals for community well-being and agricultural success. Over time, these practices merged into a more unified system with the rise of the Yamato Court.

How did Buddhism influence Shinto?

When Buddhism spread to Japan in the 6th century, it had such a strong influence on Shinto that the two religions became almost indistinguishable at times, blending rituals and practices.

What role did Shinto play during the Meiji Restoration?

During the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, the state promoted Shinto, especially the veneration of Amaterasu and the emperor. State Shinto was created as a civil religious system, while sect Shinto referred to private Shinto traditions.

What happened to Shinto after World War II?

After World War II, Western powers classified Shinto as a religion and separated it from the state. This marked the end of State Shinto as a government-supported practice.

How does Shinto differ from other religions in terms of belief and practice?

Shinto focuses more on rituals and practices than on specific doctrines or beliefs. It promotes virtues like purity, sincerity, and gratitude but does not have concepts like original sin. People can participate in rituals without identifying as religious.

What is a typical ritual process when visiting a Shinto shrine?

Visitors bow at the torii gate, wash their hands at a temizuya, offer a coin, bow twice, clap twice to get the Kami's attention, and bow once more before leaving. Visitors can also leave votive plaques and collect stamps to commemorate their visit.