Started as an animistic belief in spirits of nature.

Have been shaped and influenced by Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoist teachings

Three principal characteristics

Shinto Shrine inside the Kyomizu Buddhist Temple Complex

“the revelation of God gives man the basic principles of his social life. Devoting himself to this revealed truth, he tries to live a righteous life..” (Kishimoto 1959: 26)

Mysticism

“A brilliant inner experience within man at the depth of mind…. through this experience man feels harmoniously united with the cosmos law and discovers a new meaning of life”

Ubiquitous and Prevalent

Recognition of a natural world which accommodates myriads of supernatural beings

Supernatural beings = Kami - divine, spirits, above, god- maybe anywhere, have vague and

powerful influence- nature, divine, human and animal

Romanticized a lot about cherry blossoms, the autumn leaves, four seasons, mountains, etc.

Through nature’s sublime beauty, man can feel that cosmic link with everything else , which evokes awe, gratitude, feelings for the sacredness and divine in things

ExamplesFlower viewing (Hanami), Moon viewing, Festival of Shinto or Buddhist character (Matsuri)

Cherry blossoms = a new beginning- Represent dying at the prime of one’s life- Buddhist attitude of detachment

“[that] access to the spirits is afforded through rituals” (Jeremy and Robinson 1989, 13)

Purification

Examples:1. water basin at the entrance of every shrine for visitors to wash their hands and mouth

2. Major cleaning done every end of the year in preparation for New year

Two major holidays in Japan1. New year2. Festival for the Dead ( O-Bon)

- this festivals involves summoning deities to purify and bless the people

Mikoshi or portable shrine being paraded

The festivals, of course, involve the summoning deities

In shinto ceremonies, the deities are believed to temporarily reside in a mikoshi or portable shrine, which gets paraded around the neighborhood to purify and “bless” it.

Mikoshi bearers – believed to be guided by the spirit of Kami

Charms and Talismans- are also ubiquitous as the shrines

and temples themselves- bought during occasional visit to

the shrine or when they have special request

Daruma Dolls- symbol of patience and

perseverance- Daruma (Bodhidharma), the first

Zen buddhist patriarch, sat and meditated for nine years until he achieved enlightenment

Expresion of Gratitudes1. Thanksgiving ceremonies

Examples:Niinamesai (Great offerings of the first fruits)Memorials for combs, knives, calligraphy brushes,

2. Deifying individuals - practice of erecting a shrine or

temple to house the spirit , or as dedication to the soul

3. Itadakimasu - Grace before meal

Yasukuni Shrine

In Japan, ancestors have different classifications.

The venerations rituals may also vary – Shinto or Buddhist, or a syncretism of both.

http://worldreligion.nielsonpi.com/16japan.html