1. Japan’s Official Religion
SHINTOISM
The Way of the Gods
Japan’s Official Religion

2. Shinto: The Basics Indigenous nature-focused religion
Incorporates a number of Japanese myths
Early Shintoism was without name, text or dogma
Polytheistic
Has become highly nationalistic

3. Shintoism
Chinese transliteration of a phrase created in the late 6th century CE
Corresponding term “kami-no-michi” is translated as: “The Way of the Gods”
Kami—essential to Shinto faith. Describes something possessing a power that an individual does not. Can be something physical, animate & familiar or spiritual or inanimate.

4. 2 Important Dates
1868:
Beginning in the last half of the 19th century, Shintoism became formally separated from Buddhist (Zen) practices.
It served as a vehicle for Japanese Nationalism; strongly encouraging the use of mythological elements to venerate the emperor, the state, & eventually the aggressive military policy.

5. EMPEROR is a god?
The Yamato Clan claimed to descend from the Sun Goddess Amaratsu
Hence“Land of the Rising Sun”
Until 1945, Emperor was worshipped as a god.
1000 years one dynasty

6. 2 Important Dates After 1945:
Shinto formally disclaimed direct ties to the state
Because of Allied occupation, public funds to maintain shrines was forbidden
In 1946 Emperor Hirohito renounced his claim to divinity

7. EMPEROR AKIHITO
TODAY THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN HOLDS ONLY A SYMBOLIC POSITION OF POWER – A FIGUREHEAD.

8. Shintoism: not your Grandad’s religion
A founder
Written Scriptures
Exclusionary patterns of worship
Rigid dogma about the nature or form of that which is worshipped
Strict formal doctrines or bodies of religious law

9. SHINTO SHRINES

10. Japan Borrowed and Adapted from Chinese BUDDHISM
Cultural Diffusion - and Chinese Buddhist traditions were blended with Daoist ideas.

11. Japan Borrowed & Adapted from ZEN BUDDHISM

12. Shinto Core Beliefs The Affirmation of … Family and tradition
Reverence toward nature
Physical cleanliness
Matsuri or festivals held in honor of one or more kami

13. Shintoism in Japanese Culture

14. An interior of a Kabuki theater.

15. Bunraku Puppets

16. Chanoyu : Tea Ceremony

17. The Art of Japanese Paper Folding
Origami :
The Art of Japanese Paper Folding

18. Calligraphy

19. Haiku : 17-syllable poem Matsuo Basho, Master of Haiku
Spring departs. Birds cry Fishes' eyes are filled with tears.
Matsuo Basho, Master of Haiku

20. Ikebana : The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
Tallest  Heaven
Middle  Man
Smallest  Earth

21. Bonzai : A Unique Method of Meditation

22. Japanese Garden
for Meditation

23. Japanese Zen Garden

24. Japanese Sand Garden