Spirituality and Shinto Religion

continued from my examiner post . . . http://www.examiner.com/interfaith-spirituality-in-columbus/spirituality-and-what-is-shintoism

As John Bowker explains in World Religions, ‘Religion in Japan is a rich tapestry of interwoven traditions and religions which has been developing for over 2,000 years. Some of the strands are indigenous; others have been introduced during the course of history. In general, Japanese people do not choose between the different religions, but like the Chinese participate in several for different occasions and purposes. Common to all is an emphasis on the sacredness found in nature, respect for ancestors in strong family associations, local cults and festivals, and the unity of religion and the nation of Japan. The main sources of Japanese religion are indigenous folk beliefs and practices, organized Shinto, Confucianism, Buddhists and Taoist teaching, and some Christian influence.’

You could call this faith very ‘green’ in its attention to nature. Several authors explain another key feature summarizing the worship, ‘matsuri’ is obedience, listening and respectful attendance to the kami. Rituals and symbolism are exceedingly important in understanding shrines, festivals and practices. There are several Japanese festivals worth noting for international business travelers: Nara Yamayaki during January; Kasuga Matsuri in March, Kanda Matsuri in May, Gion Matsuri in July; Nebuta Matsuri in August and Chichibu Yo Matsuri in December. Some festivals are centered in Tokyo; some in Kyoto, others related to specific sites, mountains etc. The Star Festival of Agonshu Hoshi Matsuri is held in February attracting some 500,000 visitors.

The Shinto faith is more centered on deeds, respectful attitudes and behaviors and action rather than theology or a structured belief system of doctrine. Buddhism has separate forms and branches (Zen for example and the Nichiren Shoshu sect) in Japan. Newer religions include Tenrikyo, which means ‘religion of divine wisdom’.

There are some charming practices in Shinto religion. One writes one’s prayer request via an Ema, which is hung in a temple site or shrine. Ema means horse picture. This practice derives from horses being intermediary messengers which bring the message to the Kami. Eventually the request is released by a ritual burning practice. I can think of plenty of things to write about, one central wish. One can also hang a Fuda or amulet to increase good fortune and ward off evil. In Japan, births and weddings might incorporate Shinto ritual traditions; Buddhist traditions however are used for funerals and the dead commemorated at Higan which takes place at spring and autumn equinoxes.

Walking the shelties late one Saturday afternoon, a red balloon floated across the water of the dam and landed at the shore where I pulled it from the water, much to Danny’s delight- he is a ball player. Attached was a prayer request, written by an adolescent. I held it for a time and sent my own prayer back, holding the young one in special regard and loving thought. The dogs played with the balloon pushing it to the next shore where the wind caught it again and it skimmed across the water, heading upward with the next gust. We squinted in the sunlight and the dogs barked farewell. It was a Shinto-Zen moment, though a Christian Prayer. My husband wrote his own childhood prayer request on a little piece of carefully folded paper and placed it in a secret compartment of his special jewelry box. P.S. He did pass the test and get a good grade.

[photo from Wikimedia Commons shows Procession at Toshogu Shinto shrine, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan during spring festival, May 2005]