Shinto beliefs:
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Shinto creation stories tell of the history and lives of the "Kami" (deities). Among them was a couple, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto. Their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. |
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The Kami are the Shinto deities. The word "Kami" is generally translated "god" or "gods.". There are numerous other deities who are conceptualized in many forms:
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Those related to natural objects and creatures, from "food to rivers to rocks." |
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Guardian Kami of particular areas and clans |
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Exceptional people, including all but the last of the emperors. |
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Abstract creative forces |
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Shinto does not have as fully developed a theology as do most other religions. It does not have its own moral code. Shintoists generally follow the code of Confucianism. |
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Their religious texts discuss the "High Plain of Heaven" and the "Dark Land" which is an unclean land of the dead. |
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Ancestors are deeply revered and worshipped. |
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All of humanity is regarded as "Kami's child.". |
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Believers revere "musuhi", the Kamis' creative and harmonizing powers. They aspire to have "makoto", sincerity or true heart. |
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Morality is based upon that which is of benefit to the group. "Shinto emphasizes right practice, sensibility, and attitude." |
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There are "Four Affirmations"in Shinto:
- Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Their main celebrations relate to birth and marriage.
- Love of nature: Nature is sacred; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the Gods. Natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits.
- Physical cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouth often.
- "Matsuri": The worship and honor given to the Kami and ancestral spirits.
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BIbliography:
Shinto. Robinson A. B. 24 Nov. 1995. Religous tolerance. 19 Sep. 2008 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/shinto.htm>.
Shinto. Wikipedia. 12 Sep. 2008. Wikipedia. 19 Sep. 2008
Shinto (Japanese, "Way of the Gods"). Stoecklein David. none given. Allstock inc.. 19 Sep. 2008 <http://compsoc.net/~gemini/simons/historyweb/shinto.html>.
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