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