SHINTOISM

SHINTO
• Nature-Centric and Indigenous Religion
• The name Shinto is derived from two words Shin (kami or
gods) and to (or do, path)
• The name Shinto therefore means “ The kami way” or more
colloquially, “The way of the Gods”
• Shinto does not recognize any book as its authoritative
scriptures, focusing instead on temple worship and the
maintenance of the beauty of nature.
 DIFFERENT KAMI OF SHINTO
KAMI MEANING
Ameno-minaka-nushi-no-kami Kami of The Center of Heaven

Takamimusubi-no-mikoto Kami of Birth

Kami-misubi-no-mikoto Kami of Growth

Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto Parents of eight Islands

Amaterasu-o-mikami Sun Goddess

Susano-o-no-mikoto Kami of the High Plain Of Heaven

Tsukiyomi-no-mikoto Moon Goddess

Okuninushi-no-kami Kami of Izumo

Ninigi-no-mikoto Ruler of Japan

Religious Rituals
Religious Rituals
• The Shinto priest called a naka-torimochi (go
between). Officiates at all temple worship.
• Some earlier time priests in Japan Shamans (mostly
women) or heads of clans
• Most of the rituals are public in character although a few
other involve having a Shinto priest pray for a devotee’s
personal intentions. This prayer are called kito, kigan or
gan-gake ( special prayers)
Four Priestly classes
•The ritualists
•Abstainers
•Diviners
•Dancers and musician
 FOUR IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF SHINTO
WORSHIP

•Norito (public ritual prayers)

•Harai (purification)
•Shinsen (offering)
•Naorai (symbolic feast)
 Personal Prayers
• Kanai Anzen Kigan (For family well being)
• Kenkou Choju Kigan (Health and long life)
• Shobai Hanjyo Kigan (For success in work)
• Ryoen kigan (For happy Relationship)
• Ryoko Anzen kigan an omamori (amulet containing the
name of kami and special magic words).
• Ryoko Anzen Kigan (for safe journeys)
Different Festival
FESTIVALS
Oshogatsu (New Year)-Shinto
Shrines celebrate the coming of the new
year with prayers and festivities. This is
also most-attended Shinto worship
service, which usually attended by
around 90 million throughout japan.
FESTIVALS

•Setsubun-sai- Traditionally
Chinese an Origin, This festival
was carried over to Japan to
mark the beginning of spring
season.
FESTIVALS

Haru Matsuri ( Spring

Festival) Apart from the
Setsubun-Sai festival, this is
another spring-related festival that
assures safety of rice planting.
FESTIVALS
•Natsu Matsuri (Summer
Festival) This is festival to
summon the kami to protect the
crops from the heat of summer
sun and from pestilence.
FESTIVALS

Aki Matsuri (Autumn

Festival)- this Festival is
celebratory in nature because
at this time, people thank the
kami for the good harvest
MAIN DIVISIONS IN SHINTO
1. Jinja Shinto- This is the conventional Shinto
worship in government registered shrines
Throughout Japan.
2. Kyoha Shinto- These are Shinto groups and Sects
that are not affiliated with government-recognized
shrines.
3. Tsuzoku Shinto- These are Shinto groups and their
practices are mostly localized in scope and not as
institutionalized.
According to the Engishiki of the Heian Period
there are 22 Shrines that are deemed most
important in Shinto worship, organized into:
Jo Shrines (The upper seven)
Chu Shrines (Middle Seven)
Ge Shrines (lower eight)
Five Countries that currently have Shinto
shrines

•Netherlands
•France
•United States
•Canada
•Brazil
 Origins and Development of Shinto
• Asuka and Nara Periods (552-794 C.E.)
• Heain Period (794-1185 C.E.)
• Kamakura Period (1185-1333 C.E)
• Muromachi (1333-1568 C.E.) and Azuchi-
Momoyama Period (1568-1615 C.E.)
• Edo Period (1615-1858 C.E.)
• Meiji (1969-1912)
HIROKO TAKAYAMA

• One of around 3,000 women Shinto priests in Japan today

• Graduate of Waseda University and IT professional later