Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Unlike religions familiar in Western countries, such as Christianity and Islam, Shinto has no single founder, [19] nor any single canonical text. [20] Western religions tend to stress exclusivity, but in Japan, it has long been considered acceptable to practice different religious traditions simultaneously. [21]
Shinto is a religion native to Japan with a centuries'-long history tied to various influences in origin. [1]Although historians debate [citation needed] the point at which it is suitable to begin referring to Shinto as a distinct religion, kami veneration has been traced back to Japan's Yayoi period (300 BCE to CE 300).
Shinto is the largest religion in Japan, practiced by nearly 80% of the population, yet only a small percentage of these identify themselves as "Shintoists" in surveys. [99] According to surveys carried out in 2006 and 2008 show that 3% to 3.9% of the population of Japan are members of Shinto sects and derived religions. [100]
Shinto practitioners commonly affirm tradition, family, nature, cleanliness and ritual observation as core values. Taoic influence is significant in their beliefs about nature and self-mastery. [24] Ritual cleanliness is a central part of Shinto life. Shrines have a significant place in Shinto, reflecting the animistic veneration of the kami.
Shinto is a blend of indigenous Japanese folk practices, beliefs, court manners, and spirit-worship which dates back to at least 600 CE. [7]: 99 These beliefs were unified as "Shinto" during the Meiji era (1868–1912), [6]: 4 [12] though the Chronicles of Japan (日本書紀, Nihon Shoki) first referenced the term in the eighth century.
Overall, however, traditional forms of Buddhism have stagnated heavily in modern history and contemporary Japanese society has been marked by high levels of secularism and apathy towards organised forms of religion in favour of unorganised local or personal expressions of spirituality through Shinto rituals and festivals.
Taoist influence is significant in their beliefs about nature and self-mastery. Ritual cleanliness is a central part of Shinto life. [43] Shrines have a significant place in Shinto, being places for the veneration of the kami (gods or spirits). [44] "Folk", or "popular", Shinto features an emphasis on shamanism, particularly divination, spirit ...
Traditional founder Religious tradition founded Historical founder(s) Life of historical founder Of Divine origin (Hinduism) Hinduism: Saptarshi: c. 15th century BCE Abraham (covenant with God) Moses (religious law) Judaism: Yahwists [n 1] c. 13th [1] [2] [3] to 8th century BC [n 2] Laozi: Taoism: Zhuang Zhou: 369 BC – 286 BC