Shinto has no established texts as well as a formalised system of beliefs, but instead Shinto is based off of four ancient books where ancient myths, religious teachings, beliefs and history originate from. These texts are an accumulation of oral teachings and ancient myth which have been put into words and documented. These books are not singularly compiled of Shinto beliefs. Due to these books being recorded in the 8th century there were many influences from Buddhism and Confucianism which have their on contribution to these texts. These beliefs and history are constructed from:
The Kojiki, the record of Ancient matters which is Shinto's infrastructure of written history
- Comprised by Ō no Yasumaro at the appeal of Empress Genmei in 712 CE the Kojiki is …show more content…
Its importance is based off of its complete instant historical record of ancient Japan. Under the editorial administration of Prince Toneri and with the collaboration of Ō no Yasumaro dedicated to Empress Genshō the book was finalised and completed in 720.
The Rikkokushi, the Six National Histories.
- The Rikkokushi is compiled of Japan's six national histories including Nihon Shoki and Shoku Nihongi archiving the mythology as well as the history of Japan from the earliest times till 887.
Jinno Shotoki, which is a study of Shinto and Japanese politics and history.
- By Kitabatake Chikafus and composed in 1339 to 1343 The Jinnô Shôtôki, is a text composed to expand on the argument that Japan is "the land of the gods."
Political purpose
Several of the myths present in these books have clear political intentions as they are intended to authorise the command of Japan and the Japanese. As well as the give the divine, authority to the ruling classes of Japan, and to some intensity to establish the political superiority of the Yamato clan over the Izumo
The Kojiki, the record of Ancient matters which is Shinto's infrastructure of written history
- Comprised by Ō no Yasumaro at the appeal of Empress Genmei in 712 CE the Kojiki is …show more content…
Its importance is based off of its complete instant historical record of ancient Japan. Under the editorial administration of Prince Toneri and with the collaboration of Ō no Yasumaro dedicated to Empress Genshō the book was finalised and completed in 720.
The Rikkokushi, the Six National Histories.
- The Rikkokushi is compiled of Japan's six national histories including Nihon Shoki and Shoku Nihongi archiving the mythology as well as the history of Japan from the earliest times till 887.
Jinno Shotoki, which is a study of Shinto and Japanese politics and history.
- By Kitabatake Chikafus and composed in 1339 to 1343 The Jinnô Shôtôki, is a text composed to expand on the argument that Japan is "the land of the gods."
Political purpose
Several of the myths present in these books have clear political intentions as they are intended to authorise the command of Japan and the Japanese. As well as the give the divine, authority to the ruling classes of Japan, and to some intensity to establish the political superiority of the Yamato clan over the Izumo