Persistent Themes in Japanese Religion, Part 2

While Japanese religion consists of a variety of religious traditions, it is important to consider some of the themes that are persistent throughout these traditions and which combine to contribute to the Japanese religious worldview as a whole. Two of these themes are the pervasiveness of purification, rituals and charms, and the intersection of religion and everyday life.

Purification, rituals and charms permeate the various religious traditions of Japan. The Japanese religious ideal centers on the harmony between a united humanity, nature and the kami. Purification was one way to ensure the balance of this harmony would hold.

In pre-modern times, purification procedures included end-of-year measures to cleanse the home of impurities and the lighting of a new fire to purify it. In more modern times the Japanese are still concerned with personal cleanliness, as is displayed by the hot face towels provided in some restaurants, as well as the hot bath.

Purification is closely associated with the practice of specific rituals. One cannot just want to be purified and suddenly be so. Rather, a ritual must be conducted in order to obtain the purification desired. Rituals are also required for the exorcism of evil spirits and the purification of houses. Many times these rituals include the recitation of ritual prayers and the making of offerings to the kami, who are believed to descend and remove impurities from the land.

Charms or amulets are also related to purification and rituals. Many of the larger shrines and temples in Japan sell a variety of charms or amulets, which people will buy to place in their home, cars, or even carry with them to bless them in their daily life. One of the most popular amulets is the traffic safety amulet, just one of many such items purchased by the millions of Japanese who make their customary visit to a shrine or temple every New Year.

These facets of Japanese religious tradition tie in closely with another prevalent theme in Japanese religion, namely the intersection of religion and everyday life. Traditionally, religion in Japan was very involved in Japanese life and was even related to most Japanese occupations. Throughout history religion has been intrinsically wound with the home, family and agriculture, permeating the culture. One example of this intersection of faith and everyday life is the festivals held by coastal shrines and temples to protect fishermen and sailors, and to pray for good fishing.

Many traditional Japanese households include Shinto and Buddhist altars, and special Shinto rites in particular were invoked when building houses. Some examples illustrating the closeness between the home life and the religious life are the Japanese patron saints for the toilet and the stable.

Religious life in traditional Japan was intrinsically tied to both the individual and social spheres of Japanese living. There were religious rites of passage for many major events in one's life, such as birth, death and marriage. As such, religion featured as a prominent factor throughout one's entire life span. For example, even today many weddings are held in Shinto shrines, while many funerary and memorial services take place in Buddhist temples.

The multitude of traditions that set the foundation for the Japanese religious view are varied and complex, but the interconnectedness and the sharing that has taken place between these traditions has led to the culmination of a unique worldview and perspective in Japan that continues to express itself today. By understanding the themes that are persistent within the Japanese religious tradition, such as the pervasiveness of purification, rituals and charms, and the intersection of religion and everyday life, the incorporation of such seemingly different religious traditions into a unified worldview becomes more clearly understood.

Sources:

Earhart, H. Byron. Japanese Religion: Unity and Diversity. 4^th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2004.

Earhart, H. Byron. Religion in the Japanese Experience: Sources and Interpretations. 2^nd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1997.