Beliefs & Tenets of the Shinto Religion

Shinto, or Shintoism, is an ancient Japanese religion that began in approximately 500 B.C.E. The Shinto religion has no founder, official creed or sacred text, but has managed to endure throughout the years. The word "shinto" wasn't introduced to Japan until the 6th century, A.D. The word was developed in order to separate traditional Japanese beliefs from Buddhism. The Shinto religion is very peaceful and coexists with other religions successfully. Despite not having a sacred text or founder, followers of Shinto abide by certain basic beliefs and tenets.

Kami

"Kami" is a harmonizing power that Shintoists believe exceeds the everyday man's ability of thinking. However, Shintoists believe that the most devout followers are capable of realizing the power of kami through faith. Kami was originally associated with nature, primarily mountains, lakes, cliffs, plants or trees and rocks. Modern day Shintoists believe kami is the source of life and being. There are individual kamis that respond to an individual's prayer, if the prayer is deemed honest. Kami is also believed to be what makes life possible.

Human Nature and Respect for Life

The Shinto religion regards human nature as being generally good. Followers of Shinto believe that kami gives man life, thus making man sacred. However, Shintoists also believe that this divinity within man does not usually present itself, causing man to need purifying. Practitioners of Shinto believe that all human life should respected, as it is a gift from kami. Shintoists also believe that every human must respect the rights of every other human.

Purity

Purity is a theme that lies at the heart of the Shinto religion. In Shintoism, a lack of purity is the one thing capable of separating an individual from the power of kami. Anything that causes an individual to be impure is known as "tsumi," meaning pollution or sin. Impurities occur later in a person's life and are not present at birth, according to Shinto. Shintoists believe that tsumi can be eliminated through purification rituals and cleanses. Tsumi is not always the fault of the individual, and can also refer to disease or illness.

The Universe

Many religions, including Christianity, split the world into a physical world and a supernatural one where there is often a heaven, hell or both. Shintoism dictates that the world is a single one, in which there is no separation. Shintoists do believe that there are visible and invisible facets to the world, but the invisible world is simply added on to the visible one. Shintoists do believe in spirits, but the general belief is that these spirits coexist with human beings.

Holidays and Celebrations

The Shinto religion partakes in several festivals each year that celebrate the beliefs of Shintoism. These festivals include spring, autumn and annual festivals. During these festivals, many rituals take place. Each festival consists of purification rituals, food offerings, music and dance and a feast. In Shinto, January 15 is known as "Adults' Day." On this day, wedding ceremonies take place and Shintoists who have reached their 20th birthday are celebrated. While weddings are celebrated in the Shinto faith, funerals are not. Most Shintoists choose a Buddhist funeral because of concerns about purity.

Altars

Some Shintoists choose to incorporate Buddhist practices into their faith, and others choose to be purely Shinto. Families and individuals who practice Shinto usually have two altars present within their home. One altar is meant to honor kami and Shintoism. The other altar is meant to honor family ancestors and Buddhism. Altars will contain a shrine to kami, and this shrine contains sacred symbols. The symbol is usually a mirror, but can also be a myriad of other items.