Essay On Shinto Religion

Shinto is the ethnic religion of the people of Japan. It is defined as an action-centered religion, focused on ritual practices to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present-day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto has many beliefs, including the myths that explain how the world and everything else was created. It was first practiced in the 6th century B.C.E. Shinto doesn’t have a founder, an official sacred text, nor a formalized system of doctrine. Shinto is also known as “the way of Kami”—belief in Kami is a foundation of Shinto. To believe in Kami is to believe in sacred/divine beings. Kami isn’t limited to just spiritual beings, but also in nature, such as rivers, trees, etc. When people die, their spirit become Kami as well. In this sense, Kami aren’t all-power beings, but more of creative forces in nature. Due to this, Shinto followers are supposed to live in harmony with nature and all other human beings, enabling Shinto to coexist in harmony with other religious traditions. There aren’t many absolutes in Shinto—a lot of gray areas. There is no true right or wrong, and followers know that no one is perfect. Shinto followers believe that every human being is essentially good and that all evil is caused by evil and devilish Kami. This is why most Shinto rituals keep evil spirits away or get rid of …show more content…
People can relate to it because the traditions that it was founded upon are what sustained the religion for over 2,000 years. Even if Shinto seems far from the western concept of religion, it is a solid religious system. It offers a path to Kami for both men and women of all traditions and backgrounds, which is astounding because it can be followed by anyone. Its traditions remain present in Japanese society, and will likely serve as a religious stronghold for many years to come. I hope you understand