Shinto is increasingly viewed as a nature-based religion. Within the modern era, religion does not play a major part within the average citizen’s life and many events are tied to western ideals of marriage, birthdays and funerals, but will often take place within temples and shrines. Eventually, it was suggested to the public to take Shinto in line with political standing, and so the rule of the state became known as Matsurigoto (meaning rule or government), which holds similar Kanji to the word matsuri (religious ceremonies within Shinto). However, due to the unstructured and varied nature of the Shinto practice, it was found to be difficult to put into practice as there were limited structured rules to its ways. The Japanese ruling class saw an opportunity within the belief system of its people and took it as an advantage for control. Some philosophers of the era suggest that the kami were reincarnations of Buddist leaders to guide the people The theories surrounding the Kami and Buddist were varied.With the depiction of Buddhist figures within visual means, the presentation of Kami and Yōkai became much more popular, which coincided with the creation of Shinto art.However, with the introduction of Buddhism within medieval Japan (at around 6CE (common era)), Shinto combined with religion in different ways. Its earliest details of the way were documented around the 8th century with written myths of the creation of the earth, however even further back, mirrors, swords and beads were found at burial sites. Originally Shinto stood alone within its practice, scattered throughout many unorganised cults, which were later grouped under said name. Shinto surrounds Kami, translated as High spirits and followers of said religion are called Shintoists. For this reason, Shinto is often referred to as a way of life rather than a religion. Shinto is translated as the way of the gods, with Chinese kanji for Shen meaning divine being, and Tao meaning way. It holds no scripture, nor founder and is tied to the land and people within its traditions. Shinto is old as Japanese culture itself, as they grew alongside one another, indigenous. The main two religions within Japan are Buddhism and Shinto (Also known as Kami-No-Michi).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |