shinto (shin tao), the way of the kami. izanagi and izanami origin story pollution and purification
TRANSCRIPT
Shinto (shin tao), the way of the kami
Izanagi and Izanami
Origin story
Pollution and purification
Amaterasu, kami of the sun
Susano-o, kami of the storm
Entertaining the kami at shrines
Jimmu, Japan’s first emperor
Descent of emperors (and Japanesein general) from kami
Kojiki (712)
Nihon Shoki (720)
6th c. Start of appearance of other religionsin Japan, esp. Buddhism, Taoism,Confucianism
1867-1912 Reign of Emperor Meiji. Shintobecomes linked to nationalism
1920s/1930s Shinto linked to Japaneseimperial ambitions
1946 Disestablishment of Shinto, incl. ideathat emperor is divine
Kami
“Spirits?”
Heavenly and Earthly kami
How do humans react?
Places, natural phenomena,animals, ancestors,guardians, heroes, ghosts
Kami
Immanent, promoting life,growth, creativity, also suffering and destruction
Some greater than others
Driving force behind dynamiccosmic harmony
The human predicament
Children of the kami
Humans naturally good and pure
The effects of misbehaviour/pollution
Need for purification, like Izanagi,outer and inner, on communaland personal level
Worshipping the kami
Offerings
Music and dance
Prayers of praise, thanks, petitions,vows
Seeking return to purity
Individual, family and communal rituals
Kamidana Torii
Ablution pavilion Worship hall
Priests Oracles