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Identify the principal beliefs of the religion

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Identify the principal beliefs of the religion

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There are 4 primary principal beliefs in the Ancient religion of Shinto. As Rosemary Bernard once said, “Shinto beliefs are often values that are entrenched in Japanese folk culture in general, and which find expression in other areas beyond religion.”

Great value is credited with sacred space and time, as shrines in groves outline the boundaries of which are separated as distinct from the secular world. The location of Shinto shrines in local landscapes is an important dimension of their sacredness. As Japanese folklorists have often emphasised, the traditional Japanese village, (in close proximity to a community shrine), is focused on agriculture with seasonal worship of deities offered the fruits of production. The agricultural cycle provides the rhythms of ritual activities that punctuate the year.

Another principal belief  is that there is an interrelationship between nature, deities (Kami) and human beings. The goal of ritual action is to prevent the natural world from devolving into a state of chaos. It is essential that human beings care for nature and the Kami since they nurture human life. It is interesting to note that Kami, like humans, are not immortal and are therefore susceptible to injury and inevitably death. Also just as human kind does the Kami rot (BBC, 2009). In Shinto the spiritual and natural environments are interrelated, which is both spatially and visually manifested in the arrangement of traditional residences in relation to fields, mountains and rivers.

The notion of purification is a key aspect of all ritual activity in Shinto. Harae, or purification, is performed in order to reestablish a balance between nature, humans and deities. It is commonly performed as a part of all Shinto ritual as well as on special occasions throughout the year. Such rituals counteract pollution (known as Kegare).

Matsuri, as communal festivals, function as essentially a means of reinvigorating the sacredness of being in the world with one other. This form of ritual is believed to revive the purity of one’s relationships with others through the “festivals dedicated to the worship of specific deities,” (Japan Experience).

Thus, these principal allow adherents of Shintoism to express their faith within the everyday traditions of Japanese culture.

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Explain how the religion provides a distinctive response to the search for meaning 

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Explain how the religion provides a distinctive response to the search for meaning 

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� The central elements of Shinto are integrated and provide a distinctive answer to the enduring questions of human existence. A Western definition of religion does not necessarily translate into Asian languages and cultures. Although it is estimated that 80% of Japan are Shinto practitioners, only a small portion actually describe this as a religious belief. Therefore Shinto is best understood as a WAY of life.

� The principal beliefs of Shinto, particularly the belief in Kami, permeate all aspects of Japanese life. This notion is mirrored through the words of James W. Heisig (Philosopher), “The sacred does not lie outside of life but is one with it.” The enactment of key rituals such as kamidana and matsuri enable humans to communicate directly with the Kami. This further illuminates the essence of Shinto as the fulfilling of ritual rather than the beliefs.

� Furthermore, Shinto is without a concept of original sin and recognizes the inherent goodness of human beings. There is a sense of morality, despite the fact that Shinto offers no ethical code of law. In order to please the kami, adherents’ actions are directed to a state of makato (sincerity of heart). In this way, Shinto emphasizes the important value of right practice, sensibility and attitude. It is easy for the individual to comply with and is readily accessible to all. Individuals who have done outstanding deeds can become Kami, including those who have died in battle or made significant contributions to society. This noble aspiration taps into and activates Shinto adherents’ intense quest to find meaning in life.

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Identify and describe the role of the supernatural powers and deities in the religion 

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Identify and describe the role of the supernatural powers and deities in the religion 

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Kami is the core element of the Shinto religion, reflecting the belief in animism. This belief entails the notion that “the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena and the universe itself possess souls,” (Oxford Dictionary). Ancestral spirits are also worshipped as Kami, as they are believed to protect their descendants. Some Kami are benevolent while others are malevolent.

Amaterasu is a major Shinto Goddess, and is known throughout the nation for her profound role in Japanese mythology. She represents the sun and is often visually depicted as bright and shining with images of a sun or glowing halo. Amaterasu Omikami in full is Japanese for “Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Other significant Kami that are celebrated or feared around the nation are Fujin- the god of the wind and Raijin - the god of thunderstorms. Fujin is said to appear as green in colour, wearing leopard fur and caring a bag full of wind. Raijin is often seen with Fujin, often depicted with drums which he beats to imitate the sound of thunder.

Additionally, there are also lesser gods, regional Kami who protect small areas of the land and very specific Kami who are the wardens of certain objects. One example of this is Tajimamori who is worshipped as the god of sweets. Tajimamori cried himself to death and those who sell confectionary today often worship him.

Thus, it is clear that there are many Kami that manifest and represent all elements of human life. Adherents believe that the worshipping of Kami allow them to spiritually cleanse themselves and enhance their relationship with Kami.

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Outline the principal beliefs concerning the origins of the universe 

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Outline the principal beliefs concerning the origins of the universe 

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Shintoism is the main Religion within Japan and was developed entirely within the nation. Shinto is a religion of ancient origin that translates to 'The Way of the Gods' The principal beliefs concerning the origins of the universe are derived from two key sources. 'The Record of Ancient Matters' (712CE) and 'The Chronicles of Japan' (720 CE)

According to both sources, the heavens were separated  gradually from the lower world, which was in a state of Anarchy and Chaos. For seven generations, Kami were born and resided with the heavens, however the eighth generations of Kami decided it was time to create the land of Japan. They sent the primal male and Kami of the sky, Izangi. And the primal female and Kami of the Earth to create the islands. The last Kami, Izonami gave birth to the fire Kami, which burned her to death, resulting in her living in the world of the dead. Izanagi, the primal male kami, attempted to bring her back however a quarrel in the under world caused him to flee. He went to the river Hi and washed his left eye, which initiated the birth of the Sun Godess, Amaterasa. The storm God Susano was brought to life due to Izanagi washing his nose.

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Identify the principal rituals and examine their significance for the individual and community

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Identify the principal rituals and examine their significance for the individual and community

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Identify the principal rituals and examine their significance for the individual and community

Shinto worship is highly ritualised and follows strict conventions of protocol, order and control. It can take place in the home or in shrines. Although all Shinto worship and ritual takes place within the patterns set when the faith was centralised in the 19th century, there is much local diversity within the religion. Shinto ritual is intended to satisfy the senses as well as the minds of those taking part, so the way in which it is carried out is of huge importance. In saying that, Shintoism adheres to many rituals such as Ji Matsuri and Norito. Ji Matsuri is a ceremony that is typically held before construction of a building. The aim is to purify the ground, worship the local kami and pray for their safety during construction. Norito are Shinto ritual prayers that are addressed directly to the kami during formal ceremonies.

Rituals are performed through the use of shrines and kami alters. Kamidana is translated to ‘god shelfs’ which are set up above eye level in a place where no one is able to walk under. These shelves are predominantly used in homes and are dedicated to a specific kami of importance to the adherents. Kami in the home are usually worshipped to obtain something or to thank the kami for something good that has happened. These shelves are set up for individuals to perform principal rituals. It emphasises the significance as the kami venerated is usually a kami who is an ancestor worthy to be a kami.

Shinto shrines are used primarily for the same purpose as Kamidana however, these shrines are public and are typically located within the natural world. Worship takes place in shrines built with great understanding of the natural world. The contrast between the human ritual and the natural world underlines the way in which shinto constructs and reflects human empathy for the universe (bbc.co.uk, 2009). The publicity of these shrines allow for a community involvement in the principal rituals of Shinto.

Shrines are restful places filled with a sense of the sacred and the source of spiritual vitality for adherents (bbc.co.uk, 2009). This allows for a deeper connection when rituals are performed in order to worship the Kami.

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Discuss the relationship between sacred spaces and the beliefs of the religion 

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Discuss the relationship between sacred spaces and the beliefs of the religion 

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The sacred spaces associated with the religious tradition of Shinto are both a method by which adherents can connect with and devote themselves to kami. Various sacred spaces, such as shrines, temples and gardens, have different purposes and frequently place emphasis on the beliefs regarding care for nature and kami.
Shinto shrines are often buildings, but can manifest themselves as rocks, trees and mountains if they are significant to the sacred essences (Edrolo, 2019). The architecture provides a sacred space that acts as both a place of worship and a temporary place of residence for kami. This is seen through the torii gate, which marks the entrance to a shrine and represents the invisible boundary between the inner, clean world and outer, spiritually polluted world. Shinto sacred architecture also extends beyond this to accomodate varying religious communities and beliefs including purification and music halls, and sanctuaries.
The Japanese and Shinto beliefs regarding care of nature and kami are expressed in the sacred spaces of Japanese gardens. Shinto s

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Explain the relationship between the religion and its society 

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Explain the relationship between the religion and its society 

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The relationship between the ancient religion of Shintoism and its society and culture is very distinct due to how Shintoism is a religion only unique to Japan and is rarely ever practiced outside of Japan. Shintoism is at the heart of Japanese society as it is their native belief system and many of its practices, attitudes and institutions revolve around the Japanese land and seasons and their relation to its people. The Shinto belief system emphasises on peace, community orientated values, family bonds and ecological responsibility, all aspects embedded in Japanese society and culture and are all linked to Kami.

The Japanese belief in the supreme power of the Emperor stemmed from the belief that they were related to the sun goddess, Amaterasu. The late 19th century saw a revival in this belief, and due to the autocracy of the Emperor, Shinto became the state religion as a result (Edrolo, 2019). Consequently, the aesthetic nature of Shinto was removed and shrines were remanded into the custody of the government. This 'rule of Shinto' was imposed over 60 years until Japans's defeat in WW2 when the government control of Shinto shrines was revoked, and various Shinto groups began to retake control over their temples and shrines as a result of their belief in animism.

Furthermore, Japan's focus on robotics and technology can be linked to their ideas about spirits inhabiting objects the way they do in Shinto; animism. Aspects of Shinto mythology pervade popular culture. This is often seen in Japanese super culture of anime. For example, technology columnist and former editor at the Scientific American Christopher Mims explains Japan's acceptance of robotics, "In Japan ... they're actually open to robots, an account of animism". This demonstrates Japan's progress in automation and how their use of robotics is likely to move at a faster pace than many other advanced economies as a result of their belief in animism.

Therefore, Shinto has allowed humans to embrace positive thinking but most importantly has taught them about peace which is projected through both the individual and society.