Shinto
Shinto is the oldest surviving religion of the Japenese people. The word Shinto means the "the way of the gods." Shintoists worship many gods (kami). Kami are the basic force in mountains rivers, rocks, trees, and other parts of nature. It also considered the basic force in such processes as disease, creativity, growth, and healing. The religion emphasizes rituals and moral standards. Unlike other Asian religions, it does not have an elbaorate philosophy and it does not stress the notion of life after death. Many Shintoists worship at small shrines in their homes. Roadside shrines dedicated to the gods are also common. On occasion, Shinto priest will lead ceremonies that are called "matsuri." One of the most important rituals of the Shinto religion is that of the Great Purification Ceremony. This consist of a confession oif sinscommitted by the individuals and by the nation as a whole, which is followed by a request that the kami remove the impure conditions caused by these sins. Other ceremonies deal with such basic goals as long life, pecae, abundant harvests, and good health. No one knows how the religion began, but we do know that Shinto myths appear in the Chronicles of Japan and the Record of Ancient matters written during the seventh century CE. These myths tell how the gods created the word and established customs and laws. Beginning about the 6th century CE, the Chine philosophies of Buddhism and Confucianism influenced Shinto. Shintoists identified Buddhist gods as "kami," and shrines adopted Buddhist images. Buddhist ceremonies wree used for funerals and services. Under the influence of Confucianism, the Shinto religion developed such moral standards as honesty, kindness, and respect for one's elders and superiors. Shintoists believe that the sun goddess became the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. Shintoists now operetae a movement called "New Religions." They have a center attributed to this movement which center the teachings around a particular person or a group. These encourage group worship, charity work, and the organization of society on a cooperative basis.
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