|
SHINTO
The Kojiki is one of the two primary sources for
Shinto, the Japanese national religion. It starts in
the realm of myth, with the creation of Japan from foam.
Innumerable gods and goddesses are described. The narrative
moves from mythology to historical legends, and culminates
in a chronology of the early Imperial line.Shinto first
appeared in Japan around 500 BCE (or earlier). It was
originally an amorphous mix of nature worship, fertility
cults, divination techniques, hero worship, and shamanism.
Its name was derived from the Chinese words "shin tao" (The
Way of the Gods).
Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no
body of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized
priesthood.
|
WORLD RELIGIONS COMPARED
WORLD
RELIGIONS CLIPART
WORLD
RELIGIONS HOME |
Of all the mass of Japanese literature, as the
result of nearly twelve centuries of book-making, the most
important Monument is the work is entitled Ko-ji-ki 1 or "Records of Ancient Matters," which
was completed in A. D. 712. It is the most important because
it has preserved more faithfully than any other book
the mythology, the manners, the language, and the traditional
history of Ancient Japan.
The kami-faith is caught, not taught.
Shinto Proverb
|
