Shinto - The Way of the Kami

Shinto teaches the creation story of the Japanese islands and Japanese people. The Kojiki (712CE) outlines the creation of the gods, and lineage of the Japanese people. So, in this sense, all Japanese may be considered Shinto. The rites of Shinto are deeply embedded in the Japanese culture. Certain rites such as marriage ceremonies, the reverence of ancestors, festivals and the idea of purity or cleanliness are inseparable from Shinto. And, in Shinto belief, the world is inhabited by the spiritual. These deities or spirits are called kami. The kami are present everywhere and can take various forms. Kami can be found in sacred, special places of nature, kami can be ancestors and can also be found in the talents of people who possess special, artistic abilities. There is no bible or set of laws, there is no founder or central figure to be worshiped, rather an inherent belief in the spiritual world and knowledge that the earth is inhabited by both humans and kami alike. Shintoism does not believe in original sin, or focus on suffering, rather the recognition that each person can better themselves and society through improvement of their moral nature by connecting ourselves with the kami or spiritual realm. Appreciation for and the celebration of life is a central aspect in Shinto. A way of writing using characters called "Kanji" made their way to Japan from China. However, people sometime mistakenly believe that the use of these characters means that the belief of Shinto came from China. Shinto existed without name, written or verbally, it was only once Buddhism was introduced to Japan that there became a need to name and distinguish Shinto from Buddhism. It was then that the kanji or characters meaning Way of the Kami were first used.

Shinto priests are responsible for accurately keeping the traditions and rites at shrines; and provide detailed rituals through which we can connect with the spiritual realm, give thanks for our daily existence and remember our ancestors. Through dance, music, and prayers (norito) the priests help to bridge the spiritual with the earthly. Each person present in these rites are provided with a way to connect to the spiritual.

During our wedding, the priest called upon the kami to be present, to actually reside in the altar and participate in the ceremony. It was a very meaningful wedding ceremony for us both. Shrine maidens (miko) assisted with the wedding ceremony. One of their tasks includes providing a blessing (through a ritual of ringing bells) over the couple as well as all those present at the wedding.

Sacred Kami
Shintoism contains an innumerable amount of Kami - ancestoral spirits of Japan, kami associated with creation or regional kami. Some people are believed to live on in the afterlife as special kami. Reverence for family is a priority in Japanese culture and has its roots deep within Shintoism. Kami can take many forms, can behave badly or with great mercy, and are not infallible.

Amaterasu-o-mi-Kami
Perhaps one of the most famous stories of a god is that of the sun goddess Amaterasu-o-mi-kami (which means "glorious goddess who shines in the heavens"). Amaterasu had hidden herself away, taking light with her, as she was ashamed of her brother Susano-o's bad behavior. Eventually, Amaterasu was coaxed out of hiding when she heard singing, music, dancing and laughter just outside her cave. Upon emerging from the cave, she saw her reflection in a mirror, which had been placed by another kami, as well as jewels that had been hung in a tree, and vowed never to return to the cave again. Thus, it was Amateratsu stepping out of her cave which allowed light to return to the world.

It is from the story of Amateratsu we have 3 symbols of Shintoism:
1. A mirror (to reflect your true nature and the symbol of Amateratsu-o-mi-Kami). In the mirror, we see our own reflection, our true nature. It is when we are clean or pure in nature that the reflection of the higher level, or deity, appears.

2. A sword (symbol of power and Susano-o-no-Mikoto). The sword was taken from the 8 headed dragon Susano had slayed. The 8 heads of the dragon represent negative behavior or sin. So the sword, a symbol of power, also serves as a symbol of purification.

3. A jewel to represent one's influence over others. The mirror and jewel were used to lure Amateratsu from a cave, allowing light to enter into the world. While the mirror caught her reflection, the jewels which were hanging in a tree lured her out of the cave even farther.

Shrines
Amateratsu is revered at Ise Jinja (Jinja means 'Shrine'), the oldest shrine in Japan. There are two main festivals in her honor - July 17 and on the winter soltice December 21st. The main shrine at Ise is taken down and rebuilt every twenty years.

While shrines previously consisted of only natural materials, some modern day Shinto shrines are built with modern materials and can be found throughout the cities of Japan, even on some corporate office rooftops. My favorite make up line, Shiseido, has a corporate office in Ginza - a very expensive district of Tokyo - complete with a rooftop Torii. Hanazono Jinja is a famous Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo and associated with good business. It is not unusual to see businessmen visiting Hanazono Jinja throughout the week.

Animals Related to the Kami
If you have an opportunity to visit a Shinto shrine, you may notice statues of foxes at some shrines. Fox serve as the messengers of the Kami - but are not the actual Kami. Horses also serve as messengers of the Kami and are seen in various festivals or parades related to Shintoism. Nature is revered as it is here, in nature, where the kami themselves reside. So polluting or destroying one's environment is destroying the home of the kami (and ourselves).

Torii - Famous Japanese Gateways
The vermillion colored torii are beautiful symbols associated with Japan. It is believed that passing under the torii is a step in purification, and marks where you are entering sacred ground.

Shimenawa
Shimenawa are straw ropes tied between either two trees, or two large rocks. They represent a sacred site inhabited by the kami.

There is much to learn about Shintoism and the various kami, and how Shintoism has changed and been reshaped throughout the years. While difficult to find much written about the indigenous religion of Japan, a good reference point would be the International Shinto Foundation in Tokyo and New York.

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This content was written by Melanie Shintaku. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission.

 

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