THE BIRTH OF DEVELOPMENT AND THE STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
SHINTOLAISUUDEN SYNTY JA KEHITYSVAIHEITA JAPANIN KARTTASUURENNOS SHINTOLAISIA PYHÄKKÖJÄ KANSANSHINTOLAISUUS PYHÄKKÖSHINTOLAISUUS LAHKOSHINTOLAISUUS VALTIOSHINTOLAISUUS JUMALAKÄSITYS IHMISEN PÄÄMÄÄRÄ PYHIÄ KAUPUNKEJA VIDEOT
Shintoism (the way of gods and spirits) is the oldest religion in Japan. Its origins are in Japan, other major religions in Japan have come from elsewhere. However, current Shintoism cannot be understood without knowing Buddhism, for example, because it is so closely intertwined with Shintoism.
BEFORE THE ENTRY OF BUDDHALISM
Prior to the advent of Buddhism in the mid-5th century, Shintoism was a typical animistic religion in nature. This signifies the worship of nature (spirits) and ancestors. Mountains, lakes, rivers became holy places because they were perceived as the abodes of the gods or the physical figures of the deities. These traits are still visible in Shintoism.
Residential area in Toro 300s BC. Wikimedia Commons pubic domain
From the Yayoi period, which began around 300 BC, it has been possible to reconstruct this period’s residential area in Toro, Shzuoka. These studies have also provided information on the religion of the time: “The religion of the period was based on shamanism and focused on fertility, purity and fear of death. "
AFTER THE INCOME OF BUDDHALISM
It was not until the advent of Buddhism that it became necessary to clarify what Shintoism is as opposed to Buddhism.
In Japan, Buddhism developed into a new channel with Shintoism. At times, Buddhism dominated Shintoism for centuries. However, Buddhism was never able to extinguish Shintoism.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE NATIONAL RELIGION IN THE 7TH CENTURY
Belief in the gods of protection and their shamans changed to the belief that spirits and kamas are basically evil in nature and for this reason the skills of shamans to prevent evil are necessary. On this basis various traditions of witchcraft were born in the 8th and 20th centuries, from which a direction called nembutsu in particular received much support. In this direction, Buddha Amida is prayed for to protect people from evil spirits. Thus Buddhism is thus intertwined with the Shinto tradition, for example
From the 7th century, shrine temples began to emerge,
thus Shinto shrines where Buddhist monks recite the sutria to Shinto shamrels.
Buddha Amida Photo: Tuula Granlund
IN THE 14TH CENTURY MUROMACHI PERIOD
the idea arose in some circles (yoshidasshintoism) unites all three major religions of Japan into one: According to this doctrine, "the fruit and flower of the dharma are Buddhism, the branches and leaves are Confucianism, and its trunk and roots are Shintoism."
Cleansing ceremony Photo: Tuula Granlund
WATER PRICE OR COST PRICE IN THE 13TH AND 13TH CENTURIES
The movement was the first backlash against merging with Buddhism. The movement was started by Watarai, a priest working in Isis. He wanted to bring the people closer to Shintoism and gave the purification ceremony, which had previously belonged only to the priests, to the common people. Watarai explained that purification was the original enlightenment. When people visited Isis, they could actually perform a "self-purification ceremony," which was the path to enlightenment.
18TH CENTURY, THE RENESSANCE OF SHINTOS
In the 18th century, demands began to be made for the return of Shintoism to its origins. In the background was a long period of peace, when there was more to think about than war. Now the collection of old manuscripts began and on the basis of them, insights into the original essence of Kami were formed.
Philosophizing led to the condemnation and separation of Buddhist and Confucian elements from pure Shintoism. As an additional phenomenon, this led to the condemnation of everything foreign, from elsewhere, and the phenomenon began to take hold nationalist features.
MEIJI RESTORATION IN THE MID-19TH CENTURY
During this period, attempts were made to detach Shintoism from Buddhism. The actions were even aggressive. Everything was meant to make Shinto a state religion and a Japanese emperor god.
During World War II, Japan allied with Germany and also suffered defeat with Germany.
The demands for change in Shintoism were now made by the winners of the war, the United States occupying forces. The emperor was inform the people in his radio speech that he was not Kami. This revelation had a great impact on all forms of Shintoism. .The present emperor is Naruhito
The occupying forces left Japan in 1952, after which Shintoism has been able to regenerate on its own terms.
Sources: Mark Hattstein: The Religions of the Great World 1997 pages: 48-49 Jordan Michael: Oriental Wisdom 2000 pages: 188-189 Vesterinen Ilmari: Shintoism 2012 pages: 60-64, 66-71