Kami Way: Life of the Shinto

The "Kami Way" or indigenous Shinto religion is an ancient yet overwhelmingly popular religion in Japan. The Shinto religion based on mythology through ritual and ceremony allows followers to practice and develop their continuing beliefs of all things living and non-living being of divine spirit.

The followers of Shintoism adhere to four affirmations: Family as a way to maintain and develop tradition, Nature and a love of nature as a way to be close to the Gods, Cleanlines of the physical body and "Matsuri" or worship to the Kami.

History of Shinto

This ancient religion is believed to have origins from 500 BC. Roots trace back to the Imperial Family, explain the formation of the Japanese Islands, deities of various Japanese clans and helped to unify the country.

The Kojiki is one of the most highly regarded historical records of Shinto along with the Shoku Nihongi, published in the early eighth century, which helps to distinguish this traditional faith from Buddism, Confucianism and Taoism.

There are four major forms of Shinto traditions: Koshitsu Shinto or the Shinto of the Imperial House, Jinja Shinto or the indigenous form, Kyoha Shinto or the thirteen scts founded at the beginning of the nineteeth century and Minzoku Shinto or a primarily rural/agricultural form.

Practices of Shinto

Shrines

Shrines are dedicated to a specific Kami.

Various life passages are recognized and blessings performed.

Origami

A Japanese folk art often seen placed at the shrines.

Sacred Places

Natural places such as a mountain, lake, spring or grove may be identified.

Tori

This gateway marks the area between the earth and the world of the Gods.

Cleansing

Basins may be present at shrines for cleansing of the hands and mouth.

Ritual dances

Performed by skilled, trained dancers and accompanied by ancient instruments.

Animals

Animals are believed to be messengers of the Gods.

Charms

Worn for protection or to aid in healing.

Altar

Maintains a significant presence in homes.

Sincerity of heart

To aspire to gain the way of the Kami.

With no written scripture, no recorded religious law and various forms the Shinto religion is very tolerant of both practice and believers. All forms of this religion are slight variations of the ancient indigenous beginning. Tradition and family not only preserve but encourage variation and evolution. All forms do adhere to the affirmations of family, tradition, love of nature, physical cleanliness and worship and honor given to the Kami.

Resources:

The Kojiki, translated by Basil Hall Chamberlin

Shinto the Kami Way, by Sokyo Ono,William P. Woodard

The Meaning of Shinto, J.W.T. Mason