Understanding Shinto PDF Download

Author: C. Scott Littleton
Publisher: Watkins Publishing
ISBN: 9781907486708
Category : Shinto
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Originally published: Shinto. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.

Author: Stuart Picken
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313369798
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
Shinto is finally receiving the attention it deserves as a fundamental component of Japanese culture. Nevertheless, it remains a remarkably complex and elusive phenomenon to which Western categories of religion do not readily apply. A knowledge of Shinto can only proceed from a basic understanding of Japanese shrines and civilization, for it is closely intermingled with the Japanese way of life and continues to be a vital natural religion. This book is a convenient guide to Shinto thought. As a reference work, the volume does not offer a detailed critical study of all aspects of Shinto. Instead, it overviews the essential teachings of Shinto and provides the necessary cultural and historical context for understanding Shinto as a dynamic force in Japanese civilization. The book begins with an historical overview of Shinto, followed by a discussion of Japanese myths. The volume then discusses the role of shrines, which are central to Shinto rituals. Other portions of the book discuss the various Shinto sects and the evolution of Shinto from the Heian period to the present. Because Japanese terms are central to Shinto, the work includes a glossary.

Author: Thomas P. Kasulis
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
ISBN: 0824864301
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Nine out of ten Japanese claim some affiliation with Shinto, but in the West the religion remains the least studied of the major Asian spiritual traditions. It is so interlaced with Japanese cultural values and practices that scholarly studies usually focus on only one of its dimensions: Shinto as a "nature religion," an "imperial state religion," a "primal religion," or a "folk amalgam of practices and beliefs." Thomas Kasulis’ fresh approach to Shinto explains with clarity and economy how these different aspects interrelate. As a philosopher of religion, he first analyzes the experiential aspect of Shinto spirituality underlying its various ideas and practices. Second, as a historian of Japanese thought, he sketches several major developments in Shinto doctrines and institutions from prehistory to the present, showing how its interactions with Buddhism, Confucianism, and nationalism influenced its expression in different times and contexts. In Shinto’s idiosyncratic history, Kasulis finds the explicit interplay between two forms of spirituality: the "existential" and the "essentialist." Although the dynamic between the two is particularly striking and accessible in the study of Shinto, he concludes that a similar dynamic may be found in the history of other religions as well. Two decades ago, Kasulis’ Zen Action/Zen Person brought an innovative understanding to the ideas and practices of Zen Buddhism, an understanding influential in the ensuing decades of philosophical Zen studies. Shinto: The Way Home promises to do the same for future Shinto studies.

Author:
Publisher: Richards Education
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 121

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Embark on a journey through the heart of Japan's ancient soul with "Unlocking Shinto: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Japan's Indigenous Religion." Delve into the rich tapestry of Shinto, a vibrant belief system deeply interwoven with the cultural fabric of Japan. From its enigmatic origins to its modern-day manifestations, this book illuminates every facet of Shinto with clarity and depth. Discover the mystical realm of kami, the sacred spirits of nature, and explore the profound rituals and ceremonies that define Shinto practice. Unravel the intricate mythology of Japan's pantheon of deities and delve into the ethical principles that underpin Shinto philosophy. From the tranquil beauty of Shinto shrines nestled amidst lush forests to the bustling energy of vibrant matsuri festivals, "Unlocking Shinto" guides readers through the spiritual landscapes of Japan with insight and reverence. Explore the historical evolution of Shinto, its enduring influence on Japanese society, and its intriguing presence beyond Japan's shores. As you journey through the pages of this book, you'll gain a deep understanding of Shinto's significance in the modern world and its potential to inspire and enrich lives globally. Whether you're a seasoned scholar of Japanese culture or a curious traveler seeking to unlock the secrets of Japan's spiritual heritage, "Unlocking Shinto" is your essential companion to the soul of Japan.

Author: Helen Hardacre
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190621710
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 721

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Helen Hardacre offers a sweeping, comprehensive history of Shinto, the tradition that is practiced by some 80 percent of the Japanese people and underlies the institution of the Emperor.

Author: Hermann Candahashi
Publisher: Hermann Candahashi
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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"Shinto: The Way of the Gods - The Ancient Religion of Japan and Its Influence on Society" is a comprehensive examination of the Shinto religion and its significance in Japanese society. Shinto, which literally means "Way of the Gods," is one of the oldest religions in the world and has a profound influence on Japanese culture, history, and identity. In this book, we explore the origins of Shintoism and the fundamental principles of this religion. We take a look at the various types of Shinto shrines and their significance as places of worship and purification. Furthermore, we examine the diverse rituals and ceremonies practiced in Shinto and how they shape the spiritual lives of people in Japan. Another important topic is the connection between Shinto and nature. In Shintoism, it is believed that nature is inhabited by spirits or gods, and this concept has a strong influence on the understanding and treatment of the environment in Japan. We also consider the connection between Shinto and Japanese mythology, as many of the gods and goddesses of Shinto play a role in ancient Japanese myths and legends. An additional aspect is the importance of Shinto in family life. Family rituals and ancestor veneration are integral parts of Shinto beliefs and have a significant impact on family relationships in Japan. Furthermore, we shed light on the influence of Shinto on Japanese art. Whether it is painting, architecture, theater, or music, Shintoism has greatly shaped the artistic expressions of Japan. Additionally, we examine the political history of Japan and the influence of Shinto on the country's development. Particularly during the imperial era, Shintoism played a significant role as an instrument of state ideology and as a justification for imperialistic aspirations. Throughout the book, we also consider the role of Shinto in modern society. How has the faith changed over time, and how is it practiced in contemporary times? We take a look at the influence of Shinto on various aspects of modern life, such as education, work ethics, and social norms. A fascinating topic is also the presence of Shinto in popular culture. Films, anime, and manga often incorporate elements of Shinto, contributing to the spread and popularity of the religion. We examine some well-known examples and explore their impact on the international perception of Shinto. Tourism also plays a significant role in relation to Shinto. Many tourists from around the world visit Japan to experience the impressive Shinto shrines and participate in traditional ceremonies. We analyze the impact of tourism on Shinto sites and the challenges they face.

Author: John K. Nelson
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
ISBN: 9780824822590
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Enduring Identities is an attempt to understand the continuing relevance of Shinto to the cultural identity of contemporary Japanese. The enduring significance of this ancient yet innovative religion is evidenced each year by the millions of Japanese who visit its shrines. They might come merely seeking a park-like setting or to make a request of the shrine's deities, asking for a marriage partner, a baby, or success at school or work; or they might come to give thanks for benefits received through the intercession of deities or to legitimate and sacralize civic and political activities. Through an investigation of one of Japan's most important and venerated Shinto shrines, Kamo Wake Ikazuchi Jinja (more commonly Kamigamo Jinja), the book addresses what appears through Western and some Asian eyes to be an exotic and incongruous blend of superstition and reason as well as a photogenic juxtaposition of present and past. Combining theoretical sophistication with extensive fieldwork and a deep knowledge of Japan, John Nelson documents and interprets the ancient Kyoto shrine's yearly cycle of rituals and festivals, its sanctified landscapes, and the people who make it viable. At local and regional levels, Kamigamo Shrine's ritual traditions (such as the famous Hollyhock Festival) and the strategies for their perpetuation and implementation provide points of departure for issues that anthropologists, historians, and scholars of religion will recognize as central to their disciplines. These include the formation of social memory, the role of individual agency within institutional politics, religious practice and performance, the shaping of sacred space and place, ethnic versus cultural identity, and the politics of historical representation and cultural nationalism. Nelson links these themes through a detailed ethnography about a significant place and institution, which until now has been largely closed to both Japanese and foreign scholars. In contrast to conventional notions of ideology and institutions, he shows how a religious tradition's lack of centralized dogma, charismatic leaders, and sacred texts promotes rather than hinders a broad-based public participation with a variety of institutional agendas, most of which have very little to do with belief. He concludes that it is this structural flexibility, coupled with ample economic, human, and cultural resources, that nurtures a reworking of multiple identities--all of which resonate with the past, fully engage the present, and, with care, will endure well into the future.

Author: J.W.T Mason
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
ISBN: 1412245516
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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J.W.T. Mason presents rare insight not only into the basic beliefs of Shinto, but also into the importance of mythology and creativity to the evolution of our understanding of life and the universe. Mason begins by establishing his view of the development of man, language, and spiritual expression. Early man had an innate, intuitive understanding of the universe. This understanding was expressed through mythology and ritual. Shinto's traditions and practices still reflect this ancient understanding that all things, living and non-living are of divine spirit. Man is an integral part of Great Nature, Dai Shizen. In Shinto, man seeks to re-establish the natural harmony, to return to the path and rhythm of Great Nature, through prayer, ritual, and daily routines. Mason explains the vitality of Shinto in today's modern world. In this valuable work, the reader will find not only an insightful explanation of Shinto beliefs and ritual, but also a challenge to individuals of any spiritual tradition that their religious experience remain rooted in ancient, intuitive wisdom while simultaneously developing conscious understanding and contemporary expression.

Author: Sokyo Ono, Ph.D.
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462900836
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 148

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"An excellently rounded introduction by an eminent Shinto scholar."--Library Journal Shinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, continues to fascinate and mystify both the casual visitor to Japan and the long-time resident. Relatively unknown among the religions of the world, Shinto: The Kami Way provides an enlightening window into this Japanese faith. In its general aspects, Shinto is more than a religious faith. It is an amalgam of attitudes, ideas, and ways of doing things that through two millennia and more have become an integral part of the way of the Japanese people. Shinto is both a personal faith in the kami--objects of worship in Shinto and an honorific for noble, sacred spirits--and a communal way of life according to the mind of the kami. This introduction unveils Shinto's spiritual characteristics and discusses the architecture and function of Shinto shrines. Further examination of Shinto's lively festivals, worship, music, and sacred regalia illustrates Shinto's influence on all levels of Japanese life. Fifteen photographs, numerous drawings and Dr. Ono's text introduce the reader to two millennia of indigenous Japanese belief in the kami and in communal life. Chapters include: The Kami Way Shrines Worship and Festivals Political and Social Characteristics Some Spiritual Characteristics

Author: Joseph Mitsuo Kitagawa
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691224234
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 375

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Book Description
Joseph Kitagawa, one of the founders of the field of history of religions and an eminent scholar of the religions of Japan, published his classic book Religion in Japanese History in 1966. Since then, he has written a number of extremely influential essays that illustrate approaches to the study of Japanese religious phenomena. To date, these essays have remained scattered in various scholarly journals. This book makes available nineteen of these articles, important contributions to our understanding of Japan's intricate combination of indigenous Shinto, Confucianism, Taoism, the Yin-Yang School, Buddhism, and folk religion. In sections on prehistory, the historic development of Japanese religion, the Shinto tradition, the Buddhist tradition, and the modem phase of the Japanese religious tradition, the author develops a number of valuable methodological approaches. The volume also includes an appendix on Buddhism in America. Asserting that the study of Japanese religion is more than an umbrella term covering investigations of separate traditions, Professor Kitagawa approaches the subject from an interdisciplinary standpoint. Skillfully combining political, cultural, and social history, he depicts a Japan that seems a microcosm of the religious experience of humankind.