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THE SHINTO RELIGIONRei and her family practice the Shinto religion. She is actually a Shinto priestess-in-traning at the Hikawa Shrine where she lives with her grandfather. So why does she attend a Catholic school in Japan if her family practices Shinto beliefs? Those who practice the Shinto religion embrace all religions, and she attends the Catholic school because she is obviously from a wealthy family who wants her to have a private school education. Here is some basic information about the Shinto religion and their basic values of religious practice. Shinto, the native religion of Japan, is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is related to some of the religions of Korea, Manchuria and present-day Siberia. Shinto is primarily a form of nature worship, where natural objects, such as mountains, rivers, heavenly bodies, etc. are worshipped and personified (for example, Amaterasu the Sun Spirit). Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized priesthood. Shinto is a non-exclusive religion--that is, people may practice and Shinto along with a second or even third religion; this is because the beliefs of Shinto do not conflict with those of other faiths. Most Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhism. Those that practice Shinto practice four basic "affirmations" which describe their basic beliefs. They are as follows:
1. Affirmation of tradition and the family: Shinto celebrates the rites of life--birth and marriage are especially important. Traditions must be passed down from generation to generation, therefore the family is extremely important, since it is the family that transmits traditions. The most important religious ceremonies are those that deal with the family.
2. Affirmation of the love of nature: Japan is physically a beautiful country, and the Japanese have always reveled in its beauty; many Japanese poems deals with nature. People must be close to nature; that is why activities such as cherry-blossom maple-leaf viewing are so important. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits, and nature itself is considered to be sacred. Therefore, being in contact with nature means you are closer to the gods.
3. Affirmation of physical cleanliness: Cleanliness IS godliness in Japan, hence the Japanese uphold this belief by taking baths, washing their hands often, and rinsing out their mouths. One must be clean in the presence of the spirits. Something that is not clean is ugly.
4. Affirmation of matsuri: A "matsuri" is a festival honoring the spirits, either collectively or individually. It is an opportunity for people and spirits to come together and enjoyeach other's company. Major matsuri in Japan are Feb. 11 (National Founding Day),the first days of each season, especially spring and autumn, and local patron spirits. information acquired from Study Guide: Shinto (Indiana University) |