"THE WAY OF THE GODS"
I have always been amazed by the history of our world and what has changed over the years. I have been interested in religion. I grew up as a Roman Catholic but I am also interested in other religions and their beliefs. Shinto is an interesting religion, it was created by a divine couple named: Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto. Shinto is believed to be “the way of gods” and its practices are of pre-Buddhism. It was developed in Japan with the conjunction of the advent of agriculture during the Yayoi period. One of their rituals is that visitors must wash before entering in a ritual of spiritual and physical cleansing as they entered the shrine area. For half a century after 552 BCE, Buddhism met with opposition. Older beliefs of this religion are still practiced and have its deep significance. Some of the beliefs of Shinto are the following: it is an optimistic faith, believers are taught to be good and the evil are believed to come from evil spirits, sacred spirits take form of things and concepts are important to life. What is considered important in life are, in example; waterfalls, rivers, trees, anything in nature. Since Shinto was a practiced religion before Buddhism painted/curved images did not exist until later time which more paintings were put out. Another belief of this religion is that rebuilding rids the sacred site of physical and spiritual impurities that otherwise might accumulate. An extension of this is basically, many historic temples are tried to kept pure and belief still standing. Some clans (local group claiming a common ancestor) have their own protection for every spirit belief. For example, Amaterasu Omikami (sun goddess) was one of no-mikoto’s daughter. One of the protectors are the ones that help for successful planting and for good harvesting in the fall season. Weddings are held by Shinto priests. Shinto does not follow any moral code nor do they believe in perfection and their belief is mainly on Confucianism. To end it all I would like to say Shinto clans aspire in Makoto, sincerity and true heart.
Graciela Toruño (chapter5)
Graciela,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you and your detailed and comprehensive definition of the Shinto religion. I think as you have pointed out that this faith is very interesting and amazing as it existed before the arrival of Buddism in Japan, and still has it's influence and deep rooted rituals in the mind and hearts of the Japanese people.
Even though, the people are Buddhist now in Japan yet, they do adhere to this ancient belief which existed back during the sixth century in their motherland.
Regarding the ritual and practice aspects of Shinto as you have said in your essay it's more intended to be on good deeds and bad deeds and the consequence of each of them is very important in our life.
Overall, I strongly agree and commend you of the great job that you have done in explaining this faith from a very broad cultural, historic and academic perspective.
Regards.
Ahmad Murid partaw
Wow! what a magnificent job. Great details on the religion and major explanation on it. i do agree on all your details. Yes! Shinto is a great religion and i strongly believe it is the most practiced belief in Japan and maybe most of Asia. due to the fact that it does not have any eligibility and neither does it matter with what people believe in. As long as one does good and has the faith of god that everything will be alright. it's pretty much the basic of life. Shinto believers do have their own prayer, especially when it comes the wanting to have good harvesting. Shinto believers highly evaluate natural valleys and allow themselves to cherish of what the earth is made of. This religion reminds me of Catholism. I was raised as a Roman Catholic and growing up there was never any sins rather then do good to our good and society and good will be done to us. Obviously if we do harm the evil spirit is said to be within our spirit. Also,Shinto religion have simultaneously festivals and celebrate special religious holidays. Festivals of the Shinto religion is broadly about becoming of age, weddings, death, etc.. Ahmad, thank you very much for sharing an interesting topic with me and teaching me a little more of details i didn't know about.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Graciela T.