SHINTOISM

Shinto ("the way of the Kami") is the name of the formal state religion of Japan that was first used in the 6th
century C.E., although the roots of the religion go back to at least the 6th century B.C.E. Shinto has no founder,
no official sacred texts, and no formalized system of doctrine.
Belief in kami—sacred or divine beings, although also understood to be spiritual essences—is one of the
foundations of Shinto. Shinto understands that the kami not only exist as spiritual beings, but also in nature;
they are within mountains, trees, rivers, and even geographical regions. 
Related to the kami is the understanding that the Shinto followers are supposed to live in harmony and peaceful
coexistence with both nature and other human beings. This has enabled Shinto to exist in harmony with other
religious traditions.
HISTORY
Early Developments
In the 8th century C.E., the Nihonshoki (Chronicle of Japan) and the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) were
written to legitimate the rule of the Yamato clan as descendants of the gods. Using elements of an earlier
mythology, the Yamato rulers created a unified Japan, sanctified by their claims to divinity and supported by a
system of shrines.
Schisms and Sects
Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Korea, and later, China, in the 6th century C.E. Along with Buddhism,
Japan adopted many elements of Chinese culture, including its written language. The name "Shinto" is derived
from the Chinese (shen dao, or way of the gods), and its emergence as a formal tradition was a native response
to Buddhist influence.
Missions and Expansion
Buddhism and Shinto developed side-by-side for many centuries. While Shinto was, in a sense, a state religion,
there were many occasions in which Buddhism also received state support. Systems of equivalency between
Buddhas and kami were developed, and worship of both was normally conducted in the same temple
complexes.
Exploration and Conquest
By the end of the 11th century, there were only twenty-two "official" Shinto shrines, and even at these,
Buddhist deities regarded as the same as specific Shinto kami were worshipped. The imperial line continued but
had little power. Toward the end of the 12th century, the first of the shogun governments was established.
Modern Age
During the Edo period (1600-1868), efforts were made to redefine Shinto as a tradition separate from
Buddhism, and a "National Learning" movement emerged. In 1868, the Meiji emperor was restored to power
and Buddhism and Shinto were forcibly separated. An aggressive, militaristic attitude was supported by "state
Shinto," buttressed by the ancient notion of the emperor as a direct descendent of the deity of the sun,
Amaterasu.
BELIEFS
Gods and Goddesses
Amaterasu - Goddess of the Sun and the Queen of Kami
Izanagi - Forefather of the Gods, also God of Creation and Life
Izanami - Izanagi's wife, also Goddess of Creation and Death
Fujin - God of the Wind
Ame-no-Uzume - Goddess of Dawn and Revelry
Inari - Deity of Agriculture
Suijin - Deity of Water and the Sea
Susano-o - God of Storms
Raijin - God of Thunder and Lightning
Tenjin - God of Scholarship
Hachiman - God of War and protector of Japan and its people.
Omoikane - Deity of Wisdom and Intelligence.
Purity
First of all, human beings are born pure as believed in Shinto. Therefore, keep oneself purified is the most
important thing one has to do in Shinto.
Makoto [sincerity]
Shinto emphasizes Makoto – sincerity in the heart. This concept of Makoto is important to the core beliefs of
the religion and it is the grounding of all ethical thought and behavior in Shintoism.
Harmony with Nature
Since kami is everywhere, nature is kami itself. Seeking harmony with kami, taking care of the environment is a
basic belief in Shinto.
Matsuri [festivals]
Matsuri, Shinto festivals, bind a community together, a grand form of “Tama-Furi”, entertain kami and people
at the same time.
 Sapporo Snow Festival: One week in early February
Large snow and ice sculptures are built in the city's centrally located Odori Park during the Sapporo
Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri).
 Yokote Kamakura Festival: February 15 and 16
Many igloo-like snow houses, called kamakura, and hundreds of mini kamakura are built at various
locations across the city during this Yokote Kamakura Festival in one of Japan's snow-richest regions.
 Omizutori: March 1-14
Omizutori is a Buddhist religious service rather than a festival, held every year at the Nigatsudo Hall of
Todaiji Temple. The most spectacular among its many ceremonies, is the nightly burning of torches on
the balcony of the wooden temple hall.
 Takayama Matsuri: April 14-15 and October 9-10 Large and elaborately decorated floats are pulled through the
old town of Takayama. Held in spring and autumn.
 Aoi Matsuri: May 15
The Aoi Masturi's main attraction is a large parade of over 500 people dressed in the aristocratic style of
the Heian Period (794-1185) that leads from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines, the festival's host
shrines.
Thinking in the present Shinto is strictly focused on the present. In Shinto, life is about a celebration of what we
know and what we have right now. Even if Shinto followers don’t believe in the afterlife, once a person dies,
they become ancestral Kami which keeps an eye on his offspring, like a guardian angel.
Sacred Narratives
The deities (kami) Izanagi and Izanami gave birth to all things, including the Japanese islands, and also to three
major Japanese gods. One of these is Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The emperors of Japan, and all of the
Japanese people, are believed to be descendents of these kami.

Ultimate Reality and Divine Beings

Ultimate reality in Shinto includes the chaos from which the kami emerged, but the focus of the ultimate in
relationship to humanity is earth. Certain kami gave birth to the earthly realm and everything in it. Kami can
occupy natural objects such as mountains, rivers, or trees. They can also occupy sacred areas and, more rarely,
human beings.
Human Nature and the Purpose of Existence
Humans are part of the natural realm, which is sacred. Pollution does occur through normal acts such as contact
with things that threaten life, for example: death, blood, or disease. This is unavoidable and constitutes no "sin."
Pollution is washed away regularly through acts of purification. Thus one's purpose is to maintain the pure and
natural state of existence.
Suffering and the Problem of Evil
In Shinto, the ideas closest to the western notion of evil are pollution and impurity, and these are addressed
through rituals of purification. Suffering is not regarded as a form of punishment for human behavior, but,
rather, as a natural element of human experience. Shinto deities are equally capable of being gentle and loving,
or awesome and terrifying.
Afterlife and Salvation
There is an old saying in Japan: "born Shinto, die Buddhist." Before Buddhism, it was believed that all who
died went to a vast hellish underworld from which there is no escape. Buddhism introduced the idea of rewards
and punishments in the afterlife, and death and salvation in the afterlife came to be regarded as Buddhist
matters.
RITUALS
Sacred Time
Sacred time in Shinto is focused on the human life cycle, particularly on milestones such as birth, coming of
age, and marriage. The New Year, harvest, and other significant moments in a yearly cycle are also celebrated,
sometimes in conjunction with Buddhism. When one enters the confines of a shrine with a reverent attitude, one
can also experience sacred time.
Sacred Space
Any space where a kami has manifested is sacred space. This includes natural objects such as trees or
mountains, and the precincts and altars of Shinto shrines. In Japan today it is not uncommon to see a small
shrine, marked by a specially designed rope called a shimenawa, in the middle of a downtown shopping district,
or a shrine indicated by a torii gate atop a high-rise building.
Rites and Ceremonies
Ritual is central to the practice of Shinto. Every step of a ritual within a shrine follows a carefully prescribed
pattern, with segments including purification, prayer, offering, and entertainment for the kami. Matsuri, or
festivals, are yearly celebrations that encompass an entire community and may last for several days.
Worship and Devotion in Daily Life
In earlier generations, it was common to have a kamidana within the home and workplace. These would be
purified daily, and daily offerings were placed on them for the kami. Talismans from local shrines might also be
placed in the kamidana. Today individuals will visit a local shrine to pray whenever they have a need or desire
to do so.
Symbolism
There are many Shinto symbols. Among these are the torii gate that is found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine,
the sword and the mirror (both related to the myth of Amaterasu), and a pair of foxes seen at the entrance to
shrines for the deity Inari. Symbols placed on Shinto altars are usually covered or hidden.
SUBDIVISIONS
State Shinto was founded by the Emperor Meiji in the 1800's. This branch values patriotism to the Emperor
and Government, and obedience to figures of authority. State Shinto was abolished in 1945 because of World
War II and the newly founded democratic government.
Sect Shinto was founded by the farmers and the peasants in rural Japan. The date at which it was founded is
unknown. Sect Shinto is a combination of Traditional Shinto, Buddhism, and other folk religions that where in
the area.
Shrine Shinto was created after World War II, when most of Shinto shrines were destroyed by either the
Japanese forces or U.S Bombing raids. Shinto People came together to form the Association of Shinto Shrines
(AOSS). They rebuilt most of the shrines around Japan and trained priests to maintain the shrines and lead the
rituals.
Folk Shinto is a combination of Buddhist, Traditional Shinto, and several religions in the area. The time it was
founded is unknown.  They worship local Kami at in-home shrines, which consist of a fountain with a stone
altar, and two bowls; one is to drink out of to cleanse the mouth and the other bowl is to wash your hands in.
These in-home shrines are called Kamidana or "God Shelf".

REFERENCES:
https://unshintoismreligionuk.weebly.com/major-branches-of-shintoism.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2063.html
https://www.patheos.com/library/shinto/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism
https://sites.google.com/site/shintoism123/gods-and-goddesses