WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Shinto (Japanese: , romanized: Shintō) is a religion from Japan. Classified as an East Asian religion by scholars of religion, its practitioners often regard it as Japan’s indigenous religion and as a nature religion.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the late 6th century AD the name Shinto was created for the native religion to distinguish it from Buddhism and Confucianism, which had been introduced from China. Shinto was rapidly overshadowed by Buddhism, and the native gods were generally regarded as manifestations of Buddha in a previous state of existence.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main belief in Shinto is the worship of kami, which are spirits that inhabit the natural world. From landscapes and forces of nature, to people and animals (both living and dead), all objects are believed to have kami. Kami, unlike the western concept of gods, are not omnipotent nor perfect.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shintoism is Japan’s indigenous spirituality. It is believed that every living thing in nature (e.g. trees, rocks, flowers, animals-even sounds) contains kami, or gods. Consequently Shinto principles can be seen throughout Japanese culture, where nature and the turning of the seasons are cherished.