IMPORTANT TEXTS AND SCRIPTURES

Shintoism does not have a central religious text like

ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
some other religions. Instead, its teachings and Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion, has its origins in
practices are passed down orally and through rituals, ancient animistic beliefs and practices dating back to
folklore, and ancient myths. prehistoric times. It centers around the worship of

SHINTOISM
kami (spirits or deities) believed to inhabit natural
1. Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Compiled in the phenomena, ancestors, and sacred sites, shaping
8th century CE, it is one of Japan's oldest historical Japanese culture, rituals, and spiritual beliefs.
records and contains myths, legends, and

FOUNDERS(S) AND HISTORICAL

genealogies of the imperial family and the kami.
2. Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Also compiled in
the 8th century CE, this text provides a historical FIGURE
account of Japan and includes myths and legends
about the origins of Japan, its rulers, and the kami. Shintoism does not have a single founder in the
3. Norito (Shinto Ritual Prayers): These are formal traditional sense, as it developed organically from
prayers used in Shinto rituals to communicate with ancient animistic beliefs and practices in Japan. Key
and honor the kami. They are often recited by historical figures include Emperor Jimmu, the legendary
Shinto priests during ceremonies at shrines. first emperor of Japan who is considered a
4. Engishiki (Procedures of the Engi Era): A collection descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu and a
of administrative codes and rituals from the 10th central figure in Shinto mythology. Another important
century CE, detailing court ceremonies, shrine figure is Abe no Seimei, a historical figure from the
rituals, and regulations for Shinto practices. Heian period known for his expertise in divination and
occult practices, later revered as a Shinto deity of
These texts and prayers play a crucial role in onmyōdō (the Way of Yin and Yang).
preserving Shinto traditions, mythology, and spiritual
practices, shaping the religious and cultural identity of
Japan.

INFLUENCE OF THE RELIGION ON CULTURE

AND SOCIETY
Shintoism has profoundly influenced Japanese culture
and society by shaping its spiritual practices, moral
values, and national identity:
1. Cultural Practices: Shinto rituals and festivals are
integral to Japanese cultural traditions, influencing

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS AND

art, music, dance, and seasonal celebrations that
emphasize harmony with nature and community
cohesion. PHILISOPHIES
2. Ethical Values: Shinto's emphasis on purity, respect Shintoism's fundamental beliefs revolve around the
for ancestors, and reverence for nature has veneration of kami (spirits or deities) that inhabit
instilled moral values such as filial piety, respect for natural elements, ancestors, and significant places in
elders, and environmental stewardship among the Japan. It emphasizes purity, harmony with nature, and
Japanese people. the importance of rituals (such as purification rites) to
3. National Identity: The connection between Shinto maintain spiritual balance and connection with the
and the imperial family, with the emperor divine. Shintoism also fosters reverence for the
traditionally considered a descendant of the sun imperial family as descendants of the kami Amaterasu,
goddess Amaterasu, has fostered a sense of Carmela Lucille Quemi
BS Psychology 3C the sun goddess, reinforcing its ties to Japanese
national unity and cultural continuity rooted in identity and cultural heritage.
divine lineage.
 FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS AND ART, LITERATURE, AND ARCHITECTURE
KEY TEACHINGS AND PRINCIPLES PHILISOPHIES
Shintoism emphasizes several key teachings and
INSPIRED BY THE RELIGION
Common religious practices and rituals in Shintoism
principles that guide its followers in spiritual practices Shintoism has inspired a wide array of artistic
revolve around venerating kami (spirits or deities) and
and daily life: expressions, literature, and architectural styles that
maintaining spiritual purity:
reflect its spiritual values and cultural significance:
1. Veneration of Kami: Central to Shinto beliefs is the
1. Visiting Shrines: Followers visit Shinto shrines to pay
reverence and worship of kami, which are spiritual 1. Art: Shinto themes are often depicted in traditional
respects to kami, offer prayers, and seek blessings
beings or deities that inhabit natural elements, Japanese art, such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and
for various aspects of life such as health,
ancestors, and sacred places. paintings, showcasing kami (deities), sacred
prosperity, and success.
2. Harmony with Nature: Shinto teaches the landscapes, and rituals performed at shrines.
2. Purification Rituals (Misogi): Before entering a
importance of living in harmony with nature, 2. Literature: Shinto mythology and beliefs feature
shrine or participating in ceremonies, practitioners
respecting its sanctity, and recognizing the divine prominently in Japanese literature, including
perform rituals to cleanse themselves spiritually,
presence in natural phenomena such as mountains, classical works like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which
often by washing their hands and mouth with
rivers, and forests. chronicle the origins of Japan and the imperial
water.
3. Purification and Ritual: Ritual purification (misogi) is family through divine narratives.
3. Offerings (Tamagushi and Shinsen): Offerings of
essential in Shinto to cleanse oneself spiritually and 3. Architecture: Shinto architecture is characterized
food, sake (rice wine), and symbolic items like
maintain purity before approaching kami or by distinctive shrine structures, including torii
tamagushi (sacred branches) are made to kami as
participating in sacred rituals at shrines. gates, wooden pavilions, and sacred precincts
gestures of respect and gratitude.
4. Festivals and Ceremonies: Shinto practices include nestled within natural settings, reflecting harmony
4. Festivals (Matsuri): Shinto festivals are held
numerous festivals (matsuri) and ceremonies with the environment and reverence for kami.
throughout the year to celebrate seasonal
throughout the year, dedicated to honoring kami,
changes, commemorate historical events, and
celebrating seasonal changes, and fostering
honor specific kami. Festivities often include music,
community bonds.
dance, processions, and ritual ceremonies.
5. Respect for Ancestors: Ancestor veneration is
5. Emperor's Rituals: Special rituals performed by the
another core principle in Shinto, acknowledging the
emperor or Shinto priests on behalf of the imperial
importance of familial lineage and honoring the
family, involving prayers and offerings to kami for
spirits of deceased family members.
the prosperity and well-being of Japan.
6. Imperial Connection: Shinto traditionally reveres
the Japanese imperial family as descendants of the
These practices reinforce the connection between
sun goddess Amaterasu, symbolizing the spiritual
believers, kami, and the natural world, fostering
and historical unity of Japan.
spiritual harmony and community cohesion within
Japanese society.
These teachings and principles underscore Shintoism's
focus on spirituality intertwined with the natural world, DAILY PRACTICES AND OBSERVANCES
communal rites, and cultural identity within Japanese
society. In Shintoism, daily practices often include rituals of
purification, such as washing hands and mouth before
approaching a shrine or sacred space, to maintain
spiritual cleanliness and respect for kami (deities). Many
practitioners also offer prayers and express gratitude References:
for blessings received, either at home altars or during
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