SHINTOISM

The Way of the Gods

Japan’s Official Religion

Geography of Japan

Archipelago

Volcanoes

Mountainous

Oceans

Little Arable Land

Lacks Natural Resources

Why Shintoism in Modern Japan?1. Early Japanese lived isolated Clans Lived in

Mountain Valleys2. Each clan had its own kami3. A kami is a nature deity or spirit4. Creator Gods

EMPEROR is a god?

1. The Yamato Clan claimed to descend from the Sun Goddess Amaratsu

2. Hence“Land of the Rising Sun”

3. Until 1945, Emperor was worshipped as a god.

EMPEROR AKIHITO TODAY THE EMPEROR

OF JAPAN HOLDS ONLY A SYMBOLIC POSITION OF

POWER – A FIGUREHEAD.

DIET (PARLIAMENT)

THE PRIME MINISTER IS CHOSEN FROM THE MAJORITY PARTY IN THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.

SHINTO SHRINES

SHINTO WEDDING

ZEN BUDDHIST FUNERAL

Japan Borrowed from Chinese Buddhist Traditions

Japan Borrowed and AdaptedZEN BUDDHISM

Shintoism is very open and therefore, can mix with other

philosophies

Zen Rock Garden

Calligraphy at a Zen Temple

Zen Buddhism

1. Buddhism began in northern India/Nepal

2. Spread to China3. “Chan Buddhism”

mixed Daoism with Buddhism

4. In Japan, it became Zen

WHAT IS THE

SOUND

OF

ONE HAND

CLAPPING?

SHINTO is the National Religion of Japan.

The Japanese do not adhere to one set of beliefs. They have also added Confucian and Buddhist practices.

Together, Shinto and Zen Buddhism reflect the Japanese reverence toward all things in Nature.

CHADO or SADO

HAIKU POETRY

An old wooded pond.

Suddenly a frog leaps out-

Kersplash! Then ripples.

IKEBANA – Flower Arranging

Japanese Gardening

BONZAI

SUMO

SAMURAI:

The Way of the Warrior