Religion around the World: Let's Learn about Shintoism

To kick off the New Year, I thought I'd highlight the Shinto religion as the first in a monthly series called "Religion around the World." Shintoism is native to Japan, and  New Years is a big occasion at Shinto shrines throughout the country. I knew relatively nothing about Shintoism before moving to Japan, but it's a very interesting religion. 

Let's go over the basics, shall we?

How old is it? Shintoism is indigenous to Japan. It is so old that there is no founder, and it's rituals and beliefs date back to prehistory. It was called "Shintoism" or "Way of the Gods" after Buddhism came over to Japan around 550 CE, so as to avoid being mixed up with the new Buddhist ideas. 

Where is it practiced? Shintoism is practiced only in Japan, making it very unique.

Does Shintoism have a holy text? Nope. There are, of course, legends and stories written down but none that are used as canonical scriptures.

What or who does Shintoism worship? There is no God in Shintoism, but instead, a belief in spiritual beings or powers, called "Kami." 

What exactly are Kami? Kami are gods, spirits, ancestors, and natural forces that are around us all the time. They are concerned about human beings, and if we treat them properly (here's where all the rituals come in) they can intervene to help us have a happy life. Virtually everything contains a kami - the mountains, the trees, the ocean, the sky, rivers, etc. Even people who achieved great things in life can become kami after their death. 

What does Shintoism require? Shintoism does not require its followers to adhere only to Shintoism, and as such, many Japanese practice both Buddhist and Shinto rituals and traditions. Shintoism teaches ethical principles, but does not have strict commandments. Followers are asked to practice rituals that allow human beings to communicate with Kami.

Where do Shinto followers worship? Shrines are places designed to facilitate the interaction of humans and kami. Shrines are built to house kami, with a gate (called "torii" in Japanese) that separates the ordinary world from the sacred area around the shrine. Families may also have a small home shrine, inside their house, that acts as a substitute for a larger shrine on a daily basis. It is believed that no matter the size or location of a shrine, that the kami literally dwells there and the shrine must be treated with the utmost respect. 

A "torii."

Now, for a few more details.

What are some key Shinto teachings? 

• Human beings are born pure. Shintoism teaches that human beings are born inherently good, and that we are all connected to the divine soul. 
• Harmony is central to life. In Japan, "wa" means harmony, and in order to be happy and productive, humans must live a harmonious life. Kami's help humans achieve this.
• Our deeds either create impurity or purity in our lives. Shinto rituals help us to cleanse ourselves of impurities. 
• Shintoism does not differentiate between our world, and any other supernatural worlds. Everything - human beings and spirits - coexist. 
• There are no moral absolutes. Did you get that? NO MORAL ABSOLUTES. Whether or not an action or thought is good or bad depends on the context: circumstances, intention, purpose, time, location, etc.
• Shintoism isn't overly concerned with an afterlife. It is concerned with life in the here and now. 

What is a popular Shinto festival or occasion? 

New Year's! Shrine attendance is huge on New Year's Day, called "Oshogatsu" in Japanese. The Japanese visit shrines to thank kami, ask for kamis' blessings in the new year, and to make resolutions in front of the kami. Popular shrines in Japan may expect hundreds of thousands - sometimes even millions - of visitors during New Year's week.

Photo credit: Alafista

One of the things that I find so interesting about Shintoism is its integration with other religions. Many Japanese are both Buddhist AND Shinto. When babies are born, they are blessed at a Shinto shrine. When people die, they are given a Buddhist funeral. For the Japanese, Shintoism has become a way of life and it does not require a profession of faith for one to be considered Shinto. As an American who has so often seen the inability of religions to live and work together within America, I admire the seamless intermingling of Shintoism with other beliefs and religious practices.

I hope you learned a thing or two about Shintoism. Most of this information was taken from one of my favorite educational books for children, "What Do You Believe?" from DK Publishing, the BBC informational site on Shinto, and Wikipedia, if you'd like to learn more.

What do you find most interesting about Shintoism? Is there anything else you'd like to know?