Religion in Japan
The culture of Japan has interested me for many years. Their value system, established so long ago, is still very much alive and well in the modern-day Japanese society. It was not until recently that I discovered the underlying backbone that supports this system, and has enabled it to survive for so many centuries. The religions of Japan are in my opinion the number one contributing factor to the people being able to hold onto traditional value and moral systems while, at the same time being able to adapt and become a major influence in the modern world.
I am going to attempt to delve deeper into the religions practiced in Japan, going back to their roots, and trace up to modern day society in Japan. I will also attempt to illustrate the way these religious practices, teachings and traditions have helped to shape the way the people of Japan have come to approach life with patience, compassion and tolerance toward their fellow man.
Although most modern day Japanese people practice more than one religion, a practice known as syncretism, Japanese religious beliefs have their roots in Shinto. Shinto is considered to be one of the earliest native religions to the islands of Japan.
The word Shinto comes from the combination of two kanji characters; shin which means "gods or spirits", and to which translates to "way." Therefore Shinto is literally translated to "the way of the gods."
Shinto is among the earliest religions practiced in Japan, and is indigenous to the area. Shinto has no holy book, no founder, and no "holiest site." Shinto is essentially a set of rituals and teachings designed to concentrate on how the living fit into this world.& ...