1. What is Shinto? The “Spirit Way” (shin-to) or “The way of the gods”
Ancient, mythical, nature religion of Japan
More 1500 years old
No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the Japanese people
The root and embodiment of Japanese culture

2. Shinto Mythology Two main texts: Of gods & goddesses: The Kami
Kojiki (myths of ancient times, origins of gods and man)
Nihonji (ancient history of Japan)
Of gods & goddesses: The Kami
Polytheistic
Nature deities – represent and control natural elements and forces
Creation myth – Japan as the center of the world

3. Shinto Mythology
Shinto Creation Myth
Izanagi (“male”) & izanami (“female”) (brother & sister) create the islands of Japan
Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess
Mother of the first emperor of Japan

4. Shrine Shinto
Jinja (shrines) - Tens of thousands located throughout Japan
Natural structure, fits in with natural surrounding
Torii – entry gate, separates sacred from profane space
Rituals presided over by priest
Household shrines – kamidana (kami shelf)

5. The Four Affirmations Tradition and Family Love of Nature
Physical cleanliness
Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor the Kami

6. Shinto Practices Tradition and Family
Life cycle celebrations take place at shrines:
Newborn’s first visit to shrine
7-5-3 festival: blessings for boys age 5, girls ages 3 & 7
Entry to adulthood (age 20)
Marriage
(since Shinto celebrates life in this world, in death, the Japanese turn to Buddhist rather than Shinto rituals)

7. Shinto Practices Love of Nature: Annual cycle of seasonal festivals
Physical Cleanliness:
Misoji - Water purification rites to wash away impurity, thus restoring original purity