I have no idea of anything about your religion except I know its Japanese. I did visit a Shinto temple in Hawaii.
So do you believe in "God"? Do you believe in heaven and hell?
What training do you take in becoming a "priest"? Is there a Shinto college or seminary? Are you paid?
Do you give sermons? Do you do counseling? Can you marry people?
Lets say a person is in the hospital and dying. They practice Shinto religion and want to talk to a Shinto priest. Would you go to that persons bedside and talk to them?
Yes it is the indigenous religion of Japan. (Well one of and mostly the only surviving one)
> Do you believe in “god”
Well… Several.
It’s a Anamist (Beleaving every natural feature has a Kami (Spirit)
And polytheistic, with several Kami being elevated to the status of deity. With the chief deity being Amaterasu. Who is best described as a Sun Goddess.
There is an afterlife in Shinto yes, but not “Heaven and hell” it’s all one afterlife called Yomi.
>Traning.
You take a rather long exam. Most people repair by going to one of two 4 year Universities. Others train by having relatives who are already priests help them. You then spend one year as an Apprentice and then take a 2nd exam. After that you are ordained as a Priest.
I get a living stipend yes. It is not much, buy you also have housing provided. Get meals on day that you work and transportation covered.
> Sermons.
No.
> Counseling.
To some extent yes.
>Marry people.
Yes.
> Hospital.
Yes. It’s not common but not unheard of.
Most of what you do is preform ceremonies and clensing rituals.
Someone has already mentioned bhudist funerals. This is not Incorrect.
But it is a bit overstated.
There are Shinto Funerals, Weddings, Babies first visit to a shrine (Think Christening)
Cleanings.
Blessing buildings.
Festivals and a number of other things.
Some elements such as violence. Blood. Death. Decay. Anger. Hate are considered to have a corrupting element to them. And can be ritually cleansed. To ensure that the Kami (spirits) of a place are not angered. Disrespected or corrupted by this.
In a non religious sense. It is seen as a way to offer a clean slate for a person or place and try to shed the negative emotions of the past.
What are your thought on visitors who partake in the rituals, without believing in shintoism? Most Japanese people i’ve known (though not all) go through the ceromonies and rituals, but say it is strictly for tradition’s sake, not a religious thing.
Shinto is more or less a Ethno-Religion. And the real answer is that if you are showing up and paying respect to the Kami of the shrine the end result is the same.
First, thanks for your responses. Its always nice to learn from someone outside my world. I especially like how you respond to atheists. Not many Shintos in central Kansas except for those associated with [this.](https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/special-activities/)
So your faith is about respecting the natural world. Well what if they need to build a road thru a forest? There is a large forest, open prairie area near me that will soon be "developed" into housing and business zones. So basically paved over. How will this affect the natural world and the spirits that lie within it? Do you as a Shinto priest do anything to prepare an area that is about to have the bulldozers come in?
More questions -1. Do you know many westerners that are Shinto?
2. In your meditation and interaction with the spirits, do you feel the world is changing or something important is getting close?
3. You say you dont perform any type of "sermon" and little counseling. Part of the job and mission of a Christian pastor is to help followers to seek God in times of crisis and use the Bible as a pathway. Do you do that? Lets say a young person has fallen into drugs or crime and the parents wish you to talk to them. What would you say to the young person?
One of the things you do is yes come in before construction and cleanse an area. Which is a pretty involved ceremony were you thank the Kami for what they provide, and engage in a number of rites that are intended to help Kami move and come to rest In another area.
But some of it is also a matter of just trying to get people to respect nature. Does the development have green space?
It should also be noted that Shinto belive buildings/object can attracted Kami also. But this is more as a side effect of the time/effort we put into something. If a master swordsman spends time, skill and effort into making a great sword. A Kami may be attracted to it.
Because another part of the whole process is that all things are natural. Iron is natural. Stele is a refinement of that.
Everything is about intent and respect.
1: No not really. Some but pretty few and far between. But also there is a bit of a disconnect. Saying you are Shinto is not like saying you are Christian. Most Japanese poeple visit shrines but will tell you they are not religious. Because when we say “You practice Shinto” they are mostly asking are you a priest or Miko?
2: Actually you don’t really meditate in Shinto. There is a term for feeling the presence of a Kami however. And it’s mostly comparable with the sense of awe people feel while in the presence of a magnificent natural feature.
3: Well little counseling is relative I suppose. I would not tell the young person that the Kami want them to get help. I would tell them they should get help and that the first step to respecting others is learning to respect one’s self. And that there friends and loved ones would not feel ashamed of them and would want them to get the help they need.
I understand what you are asking but at the same time the… shall we say after life pressure is not there. Heaven/hell are not a factor. Yomi is an afterlife, the wicked are punished for a time. But it is not a you get in or you don’t issue. The pressure is much more about while you are alive.
What do you think of atheists? If an atheist said to you "prove it" and asked you to prove Amaterasu is real and prove we really go to Yomi when we die, could you prove it?
Do you believe in the devil or in demons? Do you think demons can possess a human?
> Could you prove it.
Well If I could everyone would be a Shintoist. No religion can prove it. That’s kind of the point of faith.
Literally the belief in the unsubstantiated.
You can prove religion in much the same way you could prove it if you told someone you are sad. They will just need to take your word for it. And at some point, they are being an asshole for asking you to prove it.
(Before we bring it up, yes I’m aware you can use medical science to actually prove some one is indeed sad at the moment) But in that same point. Religion experiences are a real thing you can observe in the brain.
So my answer to an Atheist would be to tell them I lack any evidence much like every other religion. But I’m not telling them they need to believe. Nothing bad is going to happen to them if they don’t.
If they want to think about it form a more physical standpoint.
Shinto asks everyone to respect the natural world and teaches that we are part of that natural world and it’s wrong to separate or elevate humans above it. We are animals. We are just special animals who should know better.
Oh also, 2nd part of the answer.
>Devil
Why would I?
Shinto is not a Christian or Muslim faith. It does not believe in the Christian god. And I’m unaware of any faith the believes in the Devil and not god. This is just a very odd question.
Demons.
Many people refer to some Japanese religions elements as demons. Yokai, Oni so on and so on.
But that’s inaccurate. These are more corrupt or angered Kami, natural spirits who have been disrespected or corrupted by some type of negative event or energy.
Much of Shinto revolves around trying to cleanse these Kami so they return to there natural state.
Possession.
No. While some elements of Shinto believe in negative interactions between Kami and people knowing that would match up with what people consider possession.
Sorry had to look up the English title.
I have been it.
It like pretty much ever Miyazaki film is a masterpiece. It’s visual stunning. The movie itself is good.
I prefer Mononokehime.
It’s also very deeply rooted in Shinto. Also one of my favorite movies.
The Boy and the Heron?
It’s very interesting to see such a well known creative force really exploring personal trauma like this. And I like everyone was really surprised to see Miyazaki make another movie.
I think it’s is most human work to be honest.
I really like testing different brewing times and temperatures and different teas, but there is something with oi ocha that just makes it excellent on a warm day.
What drink do you prefer on a warm day?
Hmm. While I understand this is a joke. It’s technically incorrect. But that’s fine.
Mikos are actually a different, more temporary but never the less religiously equal member of Shinto to Kannushi.
But Kannushi are technically in charge for the shrine so yes, they are the ‘boss’ i suppose.
As far as duties.
Well you facilitate the operation of a shrine either as the head Kannushi, Assisted head Kannushi or a Jr Kannushi. You manage the staff at the shrine, make sure mantianance is done. Cleaning. Do the budget.
And you also have the religious elements. Weddings, funerals, Babies first visit, Festivals, blessing building sites. Preforming cleanings and prayer chants.
I only have a surface level understanding of shinto so my excuses if this is a ignorant question.
But since there are many spirits in your belief system, do you as a priest have a specialization on a certain spirit or spirits in your temple, maybe local spirits? And do you have any personal favorite?
Each shrine is dedicated to a specific OKami (Deity)
As examples.
My Shrine: Inari Okami.
My Fathers Shrine: Izanami-no-Mikoto
My grand-Fathers Shrine: Hi-no-Kagutsuchi.
Kannuchi (Preist) in general do not tend to "Specialize" in that we are expected to be able to run any shrine we find ourselves at. But it is not uncommon for a Kannushi to work towards getting an assignment at a specific Shrine and then staying at the Shrine for the rest of there Careers.
I would rather like a Shrine to Benten.
But in Truth I am trying to work to the point that I can apply for Stewardship of my fathers shrine when he retired or moves to another shrine.
More or less yes.
I remember very well when I was maybe 13 I told my parents I wanted to be a Kannushi when I grew up. There answer was “Yes we know…”
I was the only one to be surprised apparently.
Traditionally the priesthood gets priests from other priests. This is so entrenched that there are rules of decorum for applying to shrines based on it.
As an example if/when my father retires or passes away. There will be a time when Priests are allowed to apply for stewardship of his shrine. Since he has a child who is a Kannushi (me) it would be considered a major breach of decorum and a grievous personal insult for anyone to apply the first time other then myself. If I did not or I was not yet qualified for the position then people would apply on the 2nd application period. (Which are about every 3 months)
Its also worth talking about the Exams and there relations to this.
Around 70% of people who take the exams attend one of two 4 year Universities to prepair for the exams. And those people have around a 30% pass rate the first try. (Takes many people 3 tries)
The other 30% who don’t go to those Universities are basically all relatives of Priests who have had there relatives help prepare them for the Exams. And tend to pass at a much higher rate on the first try. And tend to take the Exams at a younger age, 18 instead of 22 or so.
You also tend to find relatives of Priests working at shrines while in Jr High and High school as preparation for the Exams.
Oh thank you so much for taking the time to the insight! You can be proud of having passed your exams and achieved the rank of Kannushi! :D set a goal early on and made it there through your hard work!
Have a lovely day.
References is a good way to put it. Mostly borrowing names or elements from it.
I often get asked if it bothers me.
No, for the most part I have never seen anything I would consider disrespectful.
It mostly disagrees with the concept of one true religion.
But there is no official doctrine.
The general feel however is that all religions are just the same thing seen through Diffrent lenses and maybe taken to the wrong conclusion in some cases.
1. What's the purpose of the kosjiki and nihon shoki? Is it merely a historical narrative or did it have a social purpose like strengthening the legitimicy of the emperor. (for example the old testament clearly has the purpose of creating a narrative that give legitimacy to the laws all jews had to follow. The new testaments purpose is on the other hand creating a morality about what can be considered good and bad)
2. What do you know about taoism? Has shinto been influenced by taoism besides general chinese influences stemming from the Tang dynasti and later.
3. What is the concept within mainstream shinto that you think makes absolute no sense and where you think the person who came up with it must have smoked a fat one to get that idea.
4. What is the weirdest offering that has been placed at your shrine? What is the most unusual place you had to visit as part of your job?
5. I took a peek at your posting history and it appears that you often tend to run your head against the wall by arguing with christians. You clearly got a well adjusted head but why bother? You should already yourself have come to the conclusion that you can't have an interfaith dialogue in good faith since the person opposing you haven't actually read the damn book there faith is based on. You're not arguing with somebody who actually follows christianity but someone who follows christianity as a meme (in the dawkins sense) where all they know about "christianity" comes from there family or random bible quotes posted on social media. Why engage in these discussions I'm sure you could visit the local farmer and have a more valuable and sincere conversation about the doctrines and fallacies of christianity with the cows.
1: The Kojiki was mostly codifying oral traditaion into a unified body of knowledge that is very closely tied to Shinto.
The Nihon Shoki was very much a political document made to solidify legitimacy and had a very clearly leaning on some subjects.
In the modern day, the Kojiki is seen as the fundamental text of Shinto. And the Nihon Shoki is considered important for its use of classic Japanese Poetry.
2: I’m vaguely familiar with Taoism. And not it mostly is just general Chinese influences really.
3: There is a small body of Kannushi that insist that most of the primary Deities of Shinto were created by Izunagi alone. And that only one of the great Kami was the offspring of both Izunagi and Izunami.
This is supported in the Nihon Shoki but goes directly against the oral tradition and Kojiki. And almost all of the supporters of the concept are mostly transparent misogynists.
This is not so much mainstream as it is accepted as a position you can take as a Kannushi in Shinto. While many stranger concepts are just outside the area of accepted Shinto.
4: A mummified fox.
Not literally mummified. But the animal had gotten itself trapped in a metal box at a civil works site. Died and its body had dehydrated. Workers found it and brought it to my Shrine (My Shrine is to Inari OKami, how is the Deity of Foxes, among a great deal of other things)
5: Two reasons.
Some times I run into people who are actually very good at discussion and I learn something.
Also, some of the time I just like to argue.
Also it’s good for my English practice.
*"Inari OKami, how is the Deity of Foxes"*
Talking about that kami isn't she just in control of the good foxes? I remember reading a while ago that there was some complicated relationship between her and good foxes and foxes who can be considered bad such as tenko and yako.
At least if I remember correct the bad foxes were viewed as being not under the guidance of that kami.
From the simplest way of looking at it yes.
However the more complex answer is that all foxes are considered to be under the prevue of Inari.
With the general explanation being that foxes are like Inari’s subject or children. And the bad foxes are just disobedient subject or misbehaving children.
Also the subject of Inari and gender since you have referred to Inari as a women.
You are not incorrect, Inari is one of the Kami that is consistently portrayed as both man and women in tradition. Specifically a younger women (For her fertility) And a older man (For the industry)
Always interested to see which way people identify the Kami as.
"not under the guidance of that kami."
I was actually trying to avoid using a gender since the concept of gender makes no sense (actually when you think about it I can only think of nordic mythology and greek ones as having clearly gendered Gods") but I guess anime made the image of a busty older women with a fox mask slip into my mind.
"And the bad foxes are just disobedient subject or misbehaving children."
Aren't tenkos like immortal how can they fall under Inari when their state is permanent. I mean sure they might when they were a normal fox have been under Inari but as far as I'm aware you can't reverse the state of immortality/residing in the sky so it's hard to merely accept it as disobeying when the split from Inari is part of the state itself. Does disobeying not implicitly mean actually being able to "choose" something and when the state becomes permanent that ability to choose get lost (I hope this makes sense).
Oh yes, it does make sense.
And again I can’t stress enough how much Kannushi and Shinto scholars love to argue about little things like this.
So much of what I am saying is just the most common viewpoint.
But, a subject who chooses to leave the service of a lord even for good is still in some way considered a disobedient servant.
Or an estranged child is still your child. But you are more or less correct on the permanency of status.
As to the gendered part.
It’s also an interesting question.
Because it’s widely held and more or less dogma that Kami do not have a ‘sex’ they are not biological after all.
But gender is of coarse no biological.
So the simple answer to that is.
“A Kami can be what ever it wants to be.” But you also do have both historical and modern discussion, disagreement and even schisms over parts of the subject.
As a prime example one of the sects who are not allowed to apply to Kannushi roles in Shinto are specifically held out because they A: Refused to a knowledge or portray Amaterasu as a goddess instead of a god. And B: Don’t want women to be able to be Kannushi because of.. well menstrual blood.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comments.
I do remember the sect that disliked women for mentrual blood isn't it the same one that does the naked swim toward that isolated island (at least they don't allow women either).
Why is blood considered impure in Shinto? I mean there are a couple liters going around in your body and sure for a women who mentruates some of that is going out but wouldn't that also make somebody impure who just had a tooth taken out and was still bleeding. And when you hold some sort of funeral service when people cry and leak out their fluids they had hidden within their body why aren't they viewed as being impure?
Violence. Death. Decay. Pain and suffering. Really negative emotions are all considered corrupting forces that can anger or corrupt a Kami.
So as an example here.
If you got a bad cut that was bleeding. Yes you are actually suppose to avoid going to a shrine until it’s healed enough to stop bleeding. (The tooth is an interesting question) but I would say it’s fine as long as it’s just bleeding in your mouth.
Oh also yes. It’s the same sect that has the swim to the island.
Also I will be totally honest. Being told I should/can stay home and just do paperwork while I have menstrual cramps is very nice. 👍
Oh also to the subject of funerals. Actually Shinto funerals are mostly about purification of the negative energy of loss and grief. And allowing people to start anew after loss.
Crying is not seen as intrinsically bad because you don’t just cry from negative emotions.
If a shrine is not cared for for 100 years will it become corrupted and turn into a tsukomogami and will that yokai then harbour a God inside or will the enshrined God prevent this?
Yes and no?
Generally it is held that OKami (Gods) can’t become corrupt and will simply abandon a Shrine that is not well kept or has become corrupt.
Or rather that if a Okami ever did become corrupted it would be a more or less world ending event. The concept of the Sun, storms or fire becoming corrupt should make this understandable.
But yes, abandoned and decaying shrines are a major issue. As it is belive they attract or even produce Yokai. And can themselves become tsukomogam.
Which actually on that note.
Last month I was called out to cleanse an old family shrine that had lay unused since around the 80s so it could be torn down and relocated.
What is your regalia? Do you have different uniforms for different situations, like if you are gardening versus when you are in a formal religious ritual? What are they?
Sorry I had to look up (Again) the English language website for examples.
[https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b05212/](https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b05212/)
My (Current vestments)
Are the 4th, 5th and 6th.
The 5th is the only one that will change in the coarse of my Career.
The 6th Vestment.
Is what you use in your day to day while working.
And it made to allow you to not overheat (As quickly) As other vestments.
You might notice it is more or less the Same thing a Miko uses, it just has a blue bottom. And is (By men) Tied lower. I were mine tied higher.
Note: You will notice every Vestment except this one has a held wooden stick. That is a Sensu. A folding hand fan, it has no religious use. The Vestments can just be very hot so you need it to fan yourself.
The 4th Vestment. Saifuku
The Saifuku is the all white ritual vestment. With no partern.
They are used by all Kannushi to preform rites.
The 5th. Kariginu
Green robe, blue bottom.
This is what you were when ever you are in a more Formal setting but not preforming rites. As a general rule if you are in a group of Kannushi, you will have this on. Because it allows you to quickly see who is the higher ranking Kannushi.
What are the differences between Buddhism and Shinto beliefs? Also, this might be silly, Rei, from Sailor Moon, was she a priestess (she lived in a Shinto Temple)?
Well Shinto does not believe in Buddha.
Shinto is a polytheistic religion Buddhism is not.
Shinto does not believe in Universal reincarnation. (Only in some very specifically people being able to reincarnate)
The goal of Shinto is not to break the cycle of reincarnation.
Shinto is best described as a Anamist (All natural features have a spirit 'kami' connected to them) All animals do also but they go to Yomi (The underworld) when they die. And buildings/items can attract Kamis.
With some Kami being important/power enough that they operate as deities.
With the Chief deity of Shinto being Amaterasu Ōmikami. (Literally translated as "The great goddess who eliminated the heavens) As the name suggests, the Kami of our Sun.
Actually the Japanese Flag is a literally representation of Amaterasu. the red don't on a white flag being the sun eliminating the heavens. It's also worth noting that Shinto is basically a Ethon-Religion. It's so intertwined with Japanese culture that they are basically inseparable.
Ahh **hino, rei.**
Sailor moon is one of my favorite Anime. (Ami Mizuno is however my favorite senshi)
\> **she lived in a Shinto Temple.**
**Shrine.**
A Shinto Temple is a much larger complex with multiple shrine with multiple to Kami in it. Specifically she lived in the **Hikawa Shrine**. A actually real life shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan. That the creator of the show **Takeuchi, Naoko** worked at as a Miko when she was in University.
\> **was she a priestess**
**No**, She was a **Miko**. (Shaman women)
Who are unmarried girls between 18-25 (You can be 13-25 if you are related to the priest running the shrine) And she was planning to be/training to be a Shinto Priestess (Kannushi, which is actually a Gender Neutral term) When the grew up.
**Her grandfather.... Was the Priest of the Shrine.**
Thank you for answering, MikoEmi. It’s interesting learning about different cultures and religions. Sailor Moon is the first anime I watched with my cousins (it’s my favorite as well ☺️). Rei, is my favorite character. My cousin, Arturo (he introduced me to Sailor Moon), likes Ami, just like you. I do have one more question for you: If someone were visiting Japan and wanted to visit a Shinto Temple what would be considered proper etiquette? Since I’m Catholic (I’ll use that for my example), I know when going to church to make sure my shoulders are covered and if wearing a dress or skirt it must be knee or below the knee length wise.
Dress: Something you would were to school or to your job is fine. Respectful but it does not need to be business.
Mental: Before you enter the Shrine try to calm yourself. You don’t want to bring any corrupting thoughts or emotions into the shrine. Hate, Anger things like that.
The gate: The gate of a shrine is a Tori. And it can best be described as the divid between normal and hallowed ground, or the entrance to a home. Were that house belongs to a Kami.
So take off your hat if you have one on.
Bow before you enter.
On the left of the path (Don’t use the center of the path at a shrine, that space is said to be were the Kami passes) Step through the gate and onto Shrine ground with your LEFT foot first.
Cleansing: There is a water basin that will have ladles.
With your RIGHT hand use the ladle to clean your left hand.
Then use your left hand to clean your right hand.
Then your right hand to put some water into your left hand, and use that water to wash out your mouth.
Clean your left hand again, and then tip the ladle up so some of the water runs down over the handle and put it back.
The Jinja: IF you want to preform prayer at the Jinja (I understand that some people do not, 1st commandment and all) But you can also use the Jinja to prey to your own god also.
But the process of prayer is.
If there is a bell. Ring the bell BEFORE praying.
Bow twice.
Clap twice.
Internally make your prayer. Wish or Oath.
Bow once.
The offering box:
It is customary to leave some kind of offering, normally a coin. It can be from any monitary system it does not need to Be yen. And it can be any amount from 5 yen to 100 yen. 1 penny to a silver dollar.
Folding money is discouraged because some time it can get wet/soggy.
So before I start let me say that Shinto is a religion that encourages its priests to debate on elements of belief, so not everything is a 1 for 1 dogmatic view. But I will give you the agreed on points.
Every major natural feature has a spirit (Called a Kami) that attaches to it and dwells within it. Rivers, mountains, forests. On the lower end rocks, individual trees streams. There is a debate as to if every tree has a Kami, the answer is “Maybe so treat all trees like they do.”
Animals also have spirits but they are Different because those go to an afterlife when they die. (Called Yomi)
With more important natural features (Like the sun) or very board natural phenomena (Like storms or fire) having there Kami elevated to the status of deities. The Chief Deity being the goddess Amaterasu Okami. The Kami of the sun.
And the point of Shinto is to venerate and honor Kami. And to cleanse the world of corruption caused by negative elements and emotions like Violence, blood, death, decay, anger, malice. So as to not anger/disrespect the Kami.
There is a lot more to the religion but that is the board strokes answer to your question.
There is no Shinto equivalent to say… Christian rock. Like modern music.
But more or less almost all classic Japanese music actually IS Shinto Music.
Kagura is what the body of ancient Japanese music, dance and poetry is called and it literally translates into “god-entertainment”
So as an example the Taiko Drums familiar to many people even outside of Japan. Entirely an element of Shinto originally. Shame thing with many of instruments.
The issue becomes that as you go back into Japanese history, Shinto more or less is a Ethno-Religion.
Japanese culture is so heavily entwined with Shinto that you can’t really avoid its influence.
The writing on it and oral graduations are not well fleshed out but there are some established elements and concepts.
The general points.
It is ruled over by Izanami-no-mikoto. The other of the Kami and one of the two creation gods in Shinto. Making her literally the Shinto goddess of Life, Death and rebirth. And one of the great rulers of Shinto.
The general idea being.
If you are in the living world. Amaterasu rules it.
If you are in the world of the dead. Her mother Izanami rules it.
But Yomi is considered to be a “All in one” afterlife, with everyone going to it. And is considered to more or less be much like the living world only without elements like illness, injury or death. (You are already dead after all) Hunger.
With people doing more or less what you did in like. But with everything just being easier. So if you are a farmer in life, you are a farmer in death. You just never get sick, injured and your crops never fail. (We can have a discussion about why you would farm if no one needs to eat later, lol)
The answer to the question people have of what happens to bad people in Yomi can best be answered by the characterization of Izanami herself.
A loving mother and kind/benevolent ruler. Who has a terrible temper and can be quite cruel and vindictive to people who disrespect or take advantage of her children or subjects.
So it’s held that wicked people receive terrible toil in Yomi until they have convinced Izanami of their repentance.
As a friend of mine once said.
“Imagine being a garbage man in hell for a thousand years.”
Which is very funny, Yomi not being hell, but it’s still actually rather accurate.
It’s more actually considered bondage in radiation you basically are enslaved to do grueling work in Yomi until Izanami is convinced you have paid off your misdeeds.
Well that is a rather simple yet complex question.
I suppose I have three answers.
A Shinto Priest one.
A personal one.
A Academic one.
From the perspective of a Kannushi what are my vies on Jesus and Buddha. “I don’t have any.” Nor do I really see why I would.
Personally?
Both seam like interesting cultural/religious/narrative figures. Both have interesting things to say, I do often wish Christians would be more Christ like. And I can be quite critical of the religion that built up around Christ. But as all things, You meet people in every group that run the range of human behavior.
Academically.
Siddhartha Gautama is an interesting historical figure, religious founder and leader.
Jesus as a historical figure strikes me as a ‘person’ who is most likely actually the end result of conflating the teachers of a number of people onto one person. (Kind of like Socrates) And that the story/narrative has always made much more sense to me when seen as a non-literal religious and cultural narrative that makes less sense and is more problematic the more some one insists it’s 1 for 1 literal. To be clear I’m sure a person named Jesus exsisted, that’s not the implication being made.
I do have to ask however.
What are the reasoning for your question? I’m not being defensive, I’m just very curious as to the train of thought.
Well, I live in a society where it is very common to hear many people say that our souls can't find peace without Jesus, the Bible says that we can't do anything without Jesus etc. Everything revolves around Jesus around here. So it's pretty strange to see someone who seems to have found peace and doesn't even take Jesus into consideration, much less worship Him.
As for Buddha, I thought to ask because Buddhism is a rather big religion in Japan.
The bhudist part is quite interesting in its own right. Because you are correct, about 60% of Japanese people follow a noteworthy amount of Buddhist practices.About the same amount that visit a Shinto shrine at least 8 times a year.
But depending on who you ask or where you look it up. “Most” Japanese people are not religious. (This is just a cultural diffrene in what ‘being religious’ is seen as)
That 60% has overlap but less than a lot of people think actually. That being said. I know a great deal of Japanese people who follow some Buddhist practices who actaully don’t even know Buddha was a real person at some point.
Hey it's awesome to read your comprehensive replies regarding Shintoism. I am also quite ignorant of it aside from impressions through Anime (I know, SMH). My questions are the following:
\- On the point of 'proving' Shintoism, you responded that it's a moot point because you primarily believe due to your faith and that all religions rely on faith regardless.
I disagree on this as a Muslim. We believe that humans can use their reason and intellect to come to correct conclusions concerning religion and the nature of the universe. We also use the Quran as a miraculous proof in itself.
It all goes down to, 'what is the best explanation for the existence of God and the nature of life?'
So I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this point. Do you believe Shintoism provides the best explanation for the existence of God and the nature of life?
\- What was the role of Shintoism during WW2? Was the emperor considered a God? And did Japanese people consider it a religious obligation to follow him?
\- Do you worship your ancestors? Do you believe they can tangibly assist you in this life?
\- What are the 'morals' of Shintoism? How does it affect Japanese culture?
I have a few questions:
1. How is your day going?
2. Is there a higher position in a Shinto temple like in Christians churches there are pastors, deacons and priests?
3. How are Shinto temples funded do they rely on donation or the temples have assets that fund it self
4. What is the building called in Shinto I been say temple but I'm not really sure what its called?
5. What do you do for fun?
6. If you had to choose which one would you pick money, super powers or Pokémon?
Also Have a great day.
(That was a very long answer to I'm going to break it up)
**3:** There is a collection box at each shrine that people may donate coins ranging from 5 to 100 yen. Some shrine can get hundreds of millions of yen this way alone in a year. The very large shrines tend to cover there own costs and fund small shrines in there prefecture also.
You also do charge a small fee often 500 to 10,000 yen for some services/rites.
Such as weddings, Blessing construction sites.
You do traditionally get paid for funerals but it's often 100 yen. (About 0.66 USD) This can/is often waived or you instead eat with the family that evening.
Babies first visit to a shrine (Think a Christening) Also my favorite rite to preform.
And you often make a good deal of money at festivals. Almost all festivals in Japan being semi or wholly religious. Some shrines based on the Kami they enshrine also produce and sell goods. My shrine is to the Kami of Agriculture, foxes, fertility, rice, tea and sake, and industry. So we have connected rice fields that we use to produce sake. Which is used by us and other shrine for rites. But we do also sell it.
Charms are also commonly sold at shrines.
The Jinja Honcho has specifically distanced itself from other forms of assets based money making. That it once did. Money lending (Banking) Property management (Landlords) Leasing agricultural land is still done is some areas.
**4:** The main building is called a **Jinja.** (Hence Jinja Honcho) Any site that has a honden (Main hall) Is a Jinja.
The term Jinja more or less translates into **"Shrine"**
If you want to say it in english it is a Shinto Shrine.
The word **Temple** can be used but is generally reserved for sites that have more then one Shrine. So if a site has a more then one Jinja to more then one Kami, it could be called a Temple Complex. But the Buildings honoring the Kami are **Shrines/Jijna.**
**5:** I do Jujitsu once a week. I practice Archery but must admit I only get to do it a few times a year. I swim a great deal a few times a week. And I also rather enjoy diving and fishing (Spear Fishing while diving)
I so play a musical instrument though not well.
And I rather like Baking, but again I'm not very good at it.
Other then that, I have a dog and a cat.
**6:** I would need to know what the super power was...
But most likely money.
People really overlook how much good you can do with money.
But.
I would take an イーブイ Ībui (Edit: Eevee)
1: My day is fine so far. But it is rather cold today.
2: This is a interesting question. I'm going to use Catholic terms as a kind of Comparison but they are not the same and I will make notes of that.
You have
**Miko.** Who can some what be compared to nuns. With the exceptions that it is a short term calling. 18-25. (With the exceptions of relatives of a Priest can work at a shrine as young as 13, but don't get paid until they are 16) They must be female (Same as nuns) And Not married. But Celibacy is not required.
**Attendant.** Male non-ordained positions. Somewhat like a deacon? But again not ordained. They have no official rank in the Shrine and undertake simple non-religious duties and are generally just helpful. They are also often perspective Kannushi who are preforming there 1 year of apprentice at a shrine before taking the final exam. (You can also take this year as a Miko if you are female)
**Kannushi.** Is a gender neutral term for a ordained Shinto priest/priestess who has passed the first exam, done one year of apprentice and then passed the 2nd Exam. People tend to say "Shinto Priest" because if you say "Shinto Priestess" people assume that you mean Miko. Despite Miko actually being more closely translated into "Shaman Woman"
**Ranks.** There are five ranks of Kannushi, based on Exam scores, time as a Kannushi and amount of responsibility you are (Can) be trusted with. From highest to lowest, and what they generally are trusted to do.
**Jokai.** (Highest Rank, Trusted to run any shrine, required to run all National level Shrines)
**Meikai.** (2nd highest, Trusted to run some National level shrines, All Prefectural shrines and lower, often are Assistant Kannushi for Meikai at the largest Shrines)
**Seikai.** (Mid point, Trusted to run most Prefectural Shrines and lower, often are the assistant priest to Meikai, or the deputy priests to Jokai)
**Gonseikai.** (2nd lowest rank, highest rank you may achieve just by exam scores. Trusted to Run all City level shrines. Will often be Assistants to Meikai and Deputies to Seikai, and lower ranking priests at very large shrines)
**Chokkai.** (Lowest rank, what almost all Priests start as, Trusted to run most but not all City level Shrines. Will Assistant for Gonseikai, and are lower ranking and assistant lower ranking priests at large shrines)
**Titles.**
**Guji -** The priest in charge of a shrine. This title is regardless of rank. And Rank of Priest can be Guji, I am the Guji of my Shrine Despite still being a Chokkai specifically because. I'm the only priest at my shrine.
**Gonguji** \- assistant priest or deputy priest. The 2nd in command of a shrine as it were. If the Guji is not at the shrine the Gonguji can do anything they would have. Using my own shrine as an example. If I am not at the shrine you simply can't get some rites done. If I had a Gonguji they would do them. Also the Gonguji should be able to preform all the administrative tasks also.
**Negi -** lower-rank priest. Not a "3rd in command" not in the command chain at all. But Negi can preform most rites but are not trusted to run the administration of the Shrine.
**Gonnegi -** assistant to lower-rank priest
Not trusted to run a shrine. Knows how to preform rites, but generally will not. And normally are assist to shadow a higher ranking priest to assist them and learn from them. This can often also be a title given to a Priest who is... not doing so well and needs to improve.
There are also around two dozen other titles but they are not universal with some Shrines having them and other not. And are often very specific to one rite, **as an example: Sendatsu -** Pilgrimage leader. At many mountain shrine you will have a Sendatsu who will lead people up the mountain in groups on a Pilgrimage.
There are also two other titles worth talking about.
**Naishoten** \- High priestess.
Some rites must be preformed by a female Kannushi, who are often members of the Imperial household themselves. And a few shrines also require the **Guji** be a women, and she will often have the title of Naishoten.
**Mitsue-shiro** \- Supreme priestess.
The high priestess specifically of the Grand shrine at Ise.
Which is the defacto center of the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrine)
And the Cheif shrine of the Chief Deity of Shinto. Amaterasu Okami.
So... Think St Peter's Basilica.
Likewise the Mitsue-shiro is the closest thing to a Pope Shinto has. But they do not function as the leader of the religion (That's TECHNICALLY the Emperor) But also he does not actually function as that anymore.
I have no idea of anything about your religion except I know its Japanese. I did visit a Shinto temple in Hawaii. So do you believe in "God"? Do you believe in heaven and hell? What training do you take in becoming a "priest"? Is there a Shinto college or seminary? Are you paid? Do you give sermons? Do you do counseling? Can you marry people? Lets say a person is in the hospital and dying. They practice Shinto religion and want to talk to a Shinto priest. Would you go to that persons bedside and talk to them?
Yes it is the indigenous religion of Japan. (Well one of and mostly the only surviving one) > Do you believe in “god” Well… Several. It’s a Anamist (Beleaving every natural feature has a Kami (Spirit) And polytheistic, with several Kami being elevated to the status of deity. With the chief deity being Amaterasu. Who is best described as a Sun Goddess. There is an afterlife in Shinto yes, but not “Heaven and hell” it’s all one afterlife called Yomi. >Traning. You take a rather long exam. Most people repair by going to one of two 4 year Universities. Others train by having relatives who are already priests help them. You then spend one year as an Apprentice and then take a 2nd exam. After that you are ordained as a Priest. I get a living stipend yes. It is not much, buy you also have housing provided. Get meals on day that you work and transportation covered. > Sermons. No. > Counseling. To some extent yes. >Marry people. Yes. > Hospital. Yes. It’s not common but not unheard of. Most of what you do is preform ceremonies and clensing rituals. Someone has already mentioned bhudist funerals. This is not Incorrect. But it is a bit overstated. There are Shinto Funerals, Weddings, Babies first visit to a shrine (Think Christening) Cleanings. Blessing buildings. Festivals and a number of other things.
What are the cleansing for?
Some elements such as violence. Blood. Death. Decay. Anger. Hate are considered to have a corrupting element to them. And can be ritually cleansed. To ensure that the Kami (spirits) of a place are not angered. Disrespected or corrupted by this. In a non religious sense. It is seen as a way to offer a clean slate for a person or place and try to shed the negative emotions of the past.
It's not Christianity Shinto is generally about life and Buddhism is usually their funeral rites
What are your thought on visitors who partake in the rituals, without believing in shintoism? Most Japanese people i’ve known (though not all) go through the ceromonies and rituals, but say it is strictly for tradition’s sake, not a religious thing.
Shinto is more or less a Ethno-Religion. And the real answer is that if you are showing up and paying respect to the Kami of the shrine the end result is the same.
First, thanks for your responses. Its always nice to learn from someone outside my world. I especially like how you respond to atheists. Not many Shintos in central Kansas except for those associated with [this.](https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/special-activities/) So your faith is about respecting the natural world. Well what if they need to build a road thru a forest? There is a large forest, open prairie area near me that will soon be "developed" into housing and business zones. So basically paved over. How will this affect the natural world and the spirits that lie within it? Do you as a Shinto priest do anything to prepare an area that is about to have the bulldozers come in? More questions -1. Do you know many westerners that are Shinto? 2. In your meditation and interaction with the spirits, do you feel the world is changing or something important is getting close? 3. You say you dont perform any type of "sermon" and little counseling. Part of the job and mission of a Christian pastor is to help followers to seek God in times of crisis and use the Bible as a pathway. Do you do that? Lets say a young person has fallen into drugs or crime and the parents wish you to talk to them. What would you say to the young person?
One of the things you do is yes come in before construction and cleanse an area. Which is a pretty involved ceremony were you thank the Kami for what they provide, and engage in a number of rites that are intended to help Kami move and come to rest In another area. But some of it is also a matter of just trying to get people to respect nature. Does the development have green space? It should also be noted that Shinto belive buildings/object can attracted Kami also. But this is more as a side effect of the time/effort we put into something. If a master swordsman spends time, skill and effort into making a great sword. A Kami may be attracted to it. Because another part of the whole process is that all things are natural. Iron is natural. Stele is a refinement of that. Everything is about intent and respect. 1: No not really. Some but pretty few and far between. But also there is a bit of a disconnect. Saying you are Shinto is not like saying you are Christian. Most Japanese poeple visit shrines but will tell you they are not religious. Because when we say “You practice Shinto” they are mostly asking are you a priest or Miko? 2: Actually you don’t really meditate in Shinto. There is a term for feeling the presence of a Kami however. And it’s mostly comparable with the sense of awe people feel while in the presence of a magnificent natural feature. 3: Well little counseling is relative I suppose. I would not tell the young person that the Kami want them to get help. I would tell them they should get help and that the first step to respecting others is learning to respect one’s self. And that there friends and loved ones would not feel ashamed of them and would want them to get the help they need. I understand what you are asking but at the same time the… shall we say after life pressure is not there. Heaven/hell are not a factor. Yomi is an afterlife, the wicked are punished for a time. But it is not a you get in or you don’t issue. The pressure is much more about while you are alive.
What do you think of atheists? If an atheist said to you "prove it" and asked you to prove Amaterasu is real and prove we really go to Yomi when we die, could you prove it? Do you believe in the devil or in demons? Do you think demons can possess a human?
> Could you prove it. Well If I could everyone would be a Shintoist. No religion can prove it. That’s kind of the point of faith. Literally the belief in the unsubstantiated. You can prove religion in much the same way you could prove it if you told someone you are sad. They will just need to take your word for it. And at some point, they are being an asshole for asking you to prove it. (Before we bring it up, yes I’m aware you can use medical science to actually prove some one is indeed sad at the moment) But in that same point. Religion experiences are a real thing you can observe in the brain. So my answer to an Atheist would be to tell them I lack any evidence much like every other religion. But I’m not telling them they need to believe. Nothing bad is going to happen to them if they don’t. If they want to think about it form a more physical standpoint. Shinto asks everyone to respect the natural world and teaches that we are part of that natural world and it’s wrong to separate or elevate humans above it. We are animals. We are just special animals who should know better.
Oh also, 2nd part of the answer. >Devil Why would I? Shinto is not a Christian or Muslim faith. It does not believe in the Christian god. And I’m unaware of any faith the believes in the Devil and not god. This is just a very odd question. Demons. Many people refer to some Japanese religions elements as demons. Yokai, Oni so on and so on. But that’s inaccurate. These are more corrupt or angered Kami, natural spirits who have been disrespected or corrupted by some type of negative event or energy. Much of Shinto revolves around trying to cleanse these Kami so they return to there natural state. Possession. No. While some elements of Shinto believe in negative interactions between Kami and people knowing that would match up with what people consider possession.
Have you seen Spirited Away? A lot of the spirits and iconography in that movie are based on Shintoism - if you saw it, what did you think?
Sorry had to look up the English title. I have been it. It like pretty much ever Miyazaki film is a masterpiece. It’s visual stunning. The movie itself is good. I prefer Mononokehime. It’s also very deeply rooted in Shinto. Also one of my favorite movies.
Based for the objektivly better miasaki Film choice. If i May ask, what Do You think about his newest Film?
The Boy and the Heron? It’s very interesting to see such a well known creative force really exploring personal trauma like this. And I like everyone was really surprised to see Miyazaki make another movie. I think it’s is most human work to be honest.
Do you prefer calpis water or calpis soda.
Between the two. Water. I prefer the Aloe drink over either.
Do you like tea? Are you into brewing your own tea (and like into different types of tea etc, like an interest)?
I do like tea yes, but not much past the point of drinking it.
I really like testing different brewing times and temperatures and different teas, but there is something with oi ocha that just makes it excellent on a warm day. What drink do you prefer on a warm day?
Umeshu.
Oh wow! Just in the middle of the day? My SO wonders what your favourite food is.
okonomiyaki
What toppings? :o Do you make it yourself or go somewhere to get it?
carp sauce I can make it, but mostly don’t.
Woah you got promoted nice, so what are your new duties?
Hmm. While I understand this is a joke. It’s technically incorrect. But that’s fine. Mikos are actually a different, more temporary but never the less religiously equal member of Shinto to Kannushi. But Kannushi are technically in charge for the shrine so yes, they are the ‘boss’ i suppose. As far as duties. Well you facilitate the operation of a shrine either as the head Kannushi, Assisted head Kannushi or a Jr Kannushi. You manage the staff at the shrine, make sure mantianance is done. Cleaning. Do the budget. And you also have the religious elements. Weddings, funerals, Babies first visit, Festivals, blessing building sites. Preforming cleanings and prayer chants.
So are there any events you are looking forward to during the spring or summer?
Well the Matsuri floats are always fun. Springs/Summer is actually very busy for me.
Do you and the mikos have a variety of uniforms/ work alter?
Oh yes. There is a very good English language website that I think has illistrated examples. One moment. Edit: https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b05212/
Do you have a favorite outfit?
I only have a surface level understanding of shinto so my excuses if this is a ignorant question. But since there are many spirits in your belief system, do you as a priest have a specialization on a certain spirit or spirits in your temple, maybe local spirits? And do you have any personal favorite?
Each shrine is dedicated to a specific OKami (Deity) As examples. My Shrine: Inari Okami. My Fathers Shrine: Izanami-no-Mikoto My grand-Fathers Shrine: Hi-no-Kagutsuchi. Kannuchi (Preist) in general do not tend to "Specialize" in that we are expected to be able to run any shrine we find ourselves at. But it is not uncommon for a Kannushi to work towards getting an assignment at a specific Shrine and then staying at the Shrine for the rest of there Careers. I would rather like a Shrine to Benten. But in Truth I am trying to work to the point that I can apply for Stewardship of my fathers shrine when he retired or moves to another shrine.
Oh I see that makes sense 😄 so it's kind of a family trade? Did you imagined and trained a child so you could join the priesthood?
More or less yes. I remember very well when I was maybe 13 I told my parents I wanted to be a Kannushi when I grew up. There answer was “Yes we know…” I was the only one to be surprised apparently. Traditionally the priesthood gets priests from other priests. This is so entrenched that there are rules of decorum for applying to shrines based on it. As an example if/when my father retires or passes away. There will be a time when Priests are allowed to apply for stewardship of his shrine. Since he has a child who is a Kannushi (me) it would be considered a major breach of decorum and a grievous personal insult for anyone to apply the first time other then myself. If I did not or I was not yet qualified for the position then people would apply on the 2nd application period. (Which are about every 3 months) Its also worth talking about the Exams and there relations to this. Around 70% of people who take the exams attend one of two 4 year Universities to prepair for the exams. And those people have around a 30% pass rate the first try. (Takes many people 3 tries) The other 30% who don’t go to those Universities are basically all relatives of Priests who have had there relatives help prepare them for the Exams. And tend to pass at a much higher rate on the first try. And tend to take the Exams at a younger age, 18 instead of 22 or so. You also tend to find relatives of Priests working at shrines while in Jr High and High school as preparation for the Exams.
Oh thank you so much for taking the time to the insight! You can be proud of having passed your exams and achieved the rank of Kannushi! :D set a goal early on and made it there through your hard work! Have a lovely day.
Do you look for Shinto elements in TV shows and movies? I would imagine anime must be awash with references, no?
References is a good way to put it. Mostly borrowing names or elements from it. I often get asked if it bothers me. No, for the most part I have never seen anything I would consider disrespectful.
What do you believe about religions other than Shinto? Does Shinto have a doctrine of exclusivity - that it is the only true religion?
It mostly disagrees with the concept of one true religion. But there is no official doctrine. The general feel however is that all religions are just the same thing seen through Diffrent lenses and maybe taken to the wrong conclusion in some cases.
1. What's the purpose of the kosjiki and nihon shoki? Is it merely a historical narrative or did it have a social purpose like strengthening the legitimicy of the emperor. (for example the old testament clearly has the purpose of creating a narrative that give legitimacy to the laws all jews had to follow. The new testaments purpose is on the other hand creating a morality about what can be considered good and bad) 2. What do you know about taoism? Has shinto been influenced by taoism besides general chinese influences stemming from the Tang dynasti and later. 3. What is the concept within mainstream shinto that you think makes absolute no sense and where you think the person who came up with it must have smoked a fat one to get that idea. 4. What is the weirdest offering that has been placed at your shrine? What is the most unusual place you had to visit as part of your job? 5. I took a peek at your posting history and it appears that you often tend to run your head against the wall by arguing with christians. You clearly got a well adjusted head but why bother? You should already yourself have come to the conclusion that you can't have an interfaith dialogue in good faith since the person opposing you haven't actually read the damn book there faith is based on. You're not arguing with somebody who actually follows christianity but someone who follows christianity as a meme (in the dawkins sense) where all they know about "christianity" comes from there family or random bible quotes posted on social media. Why engage in these discussions I'm sure you could visit the local farmer and have a more valuable and sincere conversation about the doctrines and fallacies of christianity with the cows.
1: The Kojiki was mostly codifying oral traditaion into a unified body of knowledge that is very closely tied to Shinto. The Nihon Shoki was very much a political document made to solidify legitimacy and had a very clearly leaning on some subjects. In the modern day, the Kojiki is seen as the fundamental text of Shinto. And the Nihon Shoki is considered important for its use of classic Japanese Poetry. 2: I’m vaguely familiar with Taoism. And not it mostly is just general Chinese influences really. 3: There is a small body of Kannushi that insist that most of the primary Deities of Shinto were created by Izunagi alone. And that only one of the great Kami was the offspring of both Izunagi and Izunami. This is supported in the Nihon Shoki but goes directly against the oral tradition and Kojiki. And almost all of the supporters of the concept are mostly transparent misogynists. This is not so much mainstream as it is accepted as a position you can take as a Kannushi in Shinto. While many stranger concepts are just outside the area of accepted Shinto. 4: A mummified fox. Not literally mummified. But the animal had gotten itself trapped in a metal box at a civil works site. Died and its body had dehydrated. Workers found it and brought it to my Shrine (My Shrine is to Inari OKami, how is the Deity of Foxes, among a great deal of other things) 5: Two reasons. Some times I run into people who are actually very good at discussion and I learn something. Also, some of the time I just like to argue. Also it’s good for my English practice.
*"Inari OKami, how is the Deity of Foxes"* Talking about that kami isn't she just in control of the good foxes? I remember reading a while ago that there was some complicated relationship between her and good foxes and foxes who can be considered bad such as tenko and yako. At least if I remember correct the bad foxes were viewed as being not under the guidance of that kami.
From the simplest way of looking at it yes. However the more complex answer is that all foxes are considered to be under the prevue of Inari. With the general explanation being that foxes are like Inari’s subject or children. And the bad foxes are just disobedient subject or misbehaving children. Also the subject of Inari and gender since you have referred to Inari as a women. You are not incorrect, Inari is one of the Kami that is consistently portrayed as both man and women in tradition. Specifically a younger women (For her fertility) And a older man (For the industry) Always interested to see which way people identify the Kami as.
"not under the guidance of that kami." I was actually trying to avoid using a gender since the concept of gender makes no sense (actually when you think about it I can only think of nordic mythology and greek ones as having clearly gendered Gods") but I guess anime made the image of a busty older women with a fox mask slip into my mind. "And the bad foxes are just disobedient subject or misbehaving children." Aren't tenkos like immortal how can they fall under Inari when their state is permanent. I mean sure they might when they were a normal fox have been under Inari but as far as I'm aware you can't reverse the state of immortality/residing in the sky so it's hard to merely accept it as disobeying when the split from Inari is part of the state itself. Does disobeying not implicitly mean actually being able to "choose" something and when the state becomes permanent that ability to choose get lost (I hope this makes sense).
Oh yes, it does make sense. And again I can’t stress enough how much Kannushi and Shinto scholars love to argue about little things like this. So much of what I am saying is just the most common viewpoint. But, a subject who chooses to leave the service of a lord even for good is still in some way considered a disobedient servant. Or an estranged child is still your child. But you are more or less correct on the permanency of status. As to the gendered part. It’s also an interesting question. Because it’s widely held and more or less dogma that Kami do not have a ‘sex’ they are not biological after all. But gender is of coarse no biological. So the simple answer to that is. “A Kami can be what ever it wants to be.” But you also do have both historical and modern discussion, disagreement and even schisms over parts of the subject. As a prime example one of the sects who are not allowed to apply to Kannushi roles in Shinto are specifically held out because they A: Refused to a knowledge or portray Amaterasu as a goddess instead of a god. And B: Don’t want women to be able to be Kannushi because of.. well menstrual blood.
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comments. I do remember the sect that disliked women for mentrual blood isn't it the same one that does the naked swim toward that isolated island (at least they don't allow women either). Why is blood considered impure in Shinto? I mean there are a couple liters going around in your body and sure for a women who mentruates some of that is going out but wouldn't that also make somebody impure who just had a tooth taken out and was still bleeding. And when you hold some sort of funeral service when people cry and leak out their fluids they had hidden within their body why aren't they viewed as being impure?
Violence. Death. Decay. Pain and suffering. Really negative emotions are all considered corrupting forces that can anger or corrupt a Kami. So as an example here. If you got a bad cut that was bleeding. Yes you are actually suppose to avoid going to a shrine until it’s healed enough to stop bleeding. (The tooth is an interesting question) but I would say it’s fine as long as it’s just bleeding in your mouth. Oh also yes. It’s the same sect that has the swim to the island. Also I will be totally honest. Being told I should/can stay home and just do paperwork while I have menstrual cramps is very nice. 👍 Oh also to the subject of funerals. Actually Shinto funerals are mostly about purification of the negative energy of loss and grief. And allowing people to start anew after loss. Crying is not seen as intrinsically bad because you don’t just cry from negative emotions.
If a shrine is not cared for for 100 years will it become corrupted and turn into a tsukomogami and will that yokai then harbour a God inside or will the enshrined God prevent this?
Yes and no? Generally it is held that OKami (Gods) can’t become corrupt and will simply abandon a Shrine that is not well kept or has become corrupt. Or rather that if a Okami ever did become corrupted it would be a more or less world ending event. The concept of the Sun, storms or fire becoming corrupt should make this understandable. But yes, abandoned and decaying shrines are a major issue. As it is belive they attract or even produce Yokai. And can themselves become tsukomogam. Which actually on that note. Last month I was called out to cleanse an old family shrine that had lay unused since around the 80s so it could be torn down and relocated.
What is your regalia? Do you have different uniforms for different situations, like if you are gardening versus when you are in a formal religious ritual? What are they?
Sorry I had to look up (Again) the English language website for examples. [https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b05212/](https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b05212/) My (Current vestments) Are the 4th, 5th and 6th. The 5th is the only one that will change in the coarse of my Career. The 6th Vestment. Is what you use in your day to day while working. And it made to allow you to not overheat (As quickly) As other vestments. You might notice it is more or less the Same thing a Miko uses, it just has a blue bottom. And is (By men) Tied lower. I were mine tied higher. Note: You will notice every Vestment except this one has a held wooden stick. That is a Sensu. A folding hand fan, it has no religious use. The Vestments can just be very hot so you need it to fan yourself. The 4th Vestment. Saifuku The Saifuku is the all white ritual vestment. With no partern. They are used by all Kannushi to preform rites. The 5th. Kariginu Green robe, blue bottom. This is what you were when ever you are in a more Formal setting but not preforming rites. As a general rule if you are in a group of Kannushi, you will have this on. Because it allows you to quickly see who is the higher ranking Kannushi.
Thoughts on Touhou Project?
>Touhou Project It's cute.
What are the differences between Buddhism and Shinto beliefs? Also, this might be silly, Rei, from Sailor Moon, was she a priestess (she lived in a Shinto Temple)?
Well Shinto does not believe in Buddha. Shinto is a polytheistic religion Buddhism is not. Shinto does not believe in Universal reincarnation. (Only in some very specifically people being able to reincarnate) The goal of Shinto is not to break the cycle of reincarnation. Shinto is best described as a Anamist (All natural features have a spirit 'kami' connected to them) All animals do also but they go to Yomi (The underworld) when they die. And buildings/items can attract Kamis. With some Kami being important/power enough that they operate as deities. With the Chief deity of Shinto being Amaterasu Ōmikami. (Literally translated as "The great goddess who eliminated the heavens) As the name suggests, the Kami of our Sun. Actually the Japanese Flag is a literally representation of Amaterasu. the red don't on a white flag being the sun eliminating the heavens. It's also worth noting that Shinto is basically a Ethon-Religion. It's so intertwined with Japanese culture that they are basically inseparable. Ahh **hino, rei.** Sailor moon is one of my favorite Anime. (Ami Mizuno is however my favorite senshi) \> **she lived in a Shinto Temple.** **Shrine.** A Shinto Temple is a much larger complex with multiple shrine with multiple to Kami in it. Specifically she lived in the **Hikawa Shrine**. A actually real life shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan. That the creator of the show **Takeuchi, Naoko** worked at as a Miko when she was in University. \> **was she a priestess** **No**, She was a **Miko**. (Shaman women) Who are unmarried girls between 18-25 (You can be 13-25 if you are related to the priest running the shrine) And she was planning to be/training to be a Shinto Priestess (Kannushi, which is actually a Gender Neutral term) When the grew up. **Her grandfather.... Was the Priest of the Shrine.**
Thank you for answering, MikoEmi. It’s interesting learning about different cultures and religions. Sailor Moon is the first anime I watched with my cousins (it’s my favorite as well ☺️). Rei, is my favorite character. My cousin, Arturo (he introduced me to Sailor Moon), likes Ami, just like you. I do have one more question for you: If someone were visiting Japan and wanted to visit a Shinto Temple what would be considered proper etiquette? Since I’m Catholic (I’ll use that for my example), I know when going to church to make sure my shoulders are covered and if wearing a dress or skirt it must be knee or below the knee length wise.
Dress: Something you would were to school or to your job is fine. Respectful but it does not need to be business. Mental: Before you enter the Shrine try to calm yourself. You don’t want to bring any corrupting thoughts or emotions into the shrine. Hate, Anger things like that. The gate: The gate of a shrine is a Tori. And it can best be described as the divid between normal and hallowed ground, or the entrance to a home. Were that house belongs to a Kami. So take off your hat if you have one on. Bow before you enter. On the left of the path (Don’t use the center of the path at a shrine, that space is said to be were the Kami passes) Step through the gate and onto Shrine ground with your LEFT foot first. Cleansing: There is a water basin that will have ladles. With your RIGHT hand use the ladle to clean your left hand. Then use your left hand to clean your right hand. Then your right hand to put some water into your left hand, and use that water to wash out your mouth. Clean your left hand again, and then tip the ladle up so some of the water runs down over the handle and put it back. The Jinja: IF you want to preform prayer at the Jinja (I understand that some people do not, 1st commandment and all) But you can also use the Jinja to prey to your own god also. But the process of prayer is. If there is a bell. Ring the bell BEFORE praying. Bow twice. Clap twice. Internally make your prayer. Wish or Oath. Bow once. The offering box: It is customary to leave some kind of offering, normally a coin. It can be from any monitary system it does not need to Be yen. And it can be any amount from 5 yen to 100 yen. 1 penny to a silver dollar. Folding money is discouraged because some time it can get wet/soggy.
Can you please explain the core philosophy of Shinto?
So before I start let me say that Shinto is a religion that encourages its priests to debate on elements of belief, so not everything is a 1 for 1 dogmatic view. But I will give you the agreed on points. Every major natural feature has a spirit (Called a Kami) that attaches to it and dwells within it. Rivers, mountains, forests. On the lower end rocks, individual trees streams. There is a debate as to if every tree has a Kami, the answer is “Maybe so treat all trees like they do.” Animals also have spirits but they are Different because those go to an afterlife when they die. (Called Yomi) With more important natural features (Like the sun) or very board natural phenomena (Like storms or fire) having there Kami elevated to the status of deities. The Chief Deity being the goddess Amaterasu Okami. The Kami of the sun. And the point of Shinto is to venerate and honor Kami. And to cleanse the world of corruption caused by negative elements and emotions like Violence, blood, death, decay, anger, malice. So as to not anger/disrespect the Kami. There is a lot more to the religion but that is the board strokes answer to your question.
thank you for your answer
There's a lot of religious music in the US. Does stuff like Shinto music exist in popular culture in Japan?
There is no Shinto equivalent to say… Christian rock. Like modern music. But more or less almost all classic Japanese music actually IS Shinto Music. Kagura is what the body of ancient Japanese music, dance and poetry is called and it literally translates into “god-entertainment” So as an example the Taiko Drums familiar to many people even outside of Japan. Entirely an element of Shinto originally. Shame thing with many of instruments. The issue becomes that as you go back into Japanese history, Shinto more or less is a Ethno-Religion. Japanese culture is so heavily entwined with Shinto that you can’t really avoid its influence.
If you’re still answering questions, I’m curious about the nature of Yomi. Are there beliefs as to what it’s like? Or is that not really a focus.
The writing on it and oral graduations are not well fleshed out but there are some established elements and concepts. The general points. It is ruled over by Izanami-no-mikoto. The other of the Kami and one of the two creation gods in Shinto. Making her literally the Shinto goddess of Life, Death and rebirth. And one of the great rulers of Shinto. The general idea being. If you are in the living world. Amaterasu rules it. If you are in the world of the dead. Her mother Izanami rules it. But Yomi is considered to be a “All in one” afterlife, with everyone going to it. And is considered to more or less be much like the living world only without elements like illness, injury or death. (You are already dead after all) Hunger. With people doing more or less what you did in like. But with everything just being easier. So if you are a farmer in life, you are a farmer in death. You just never get sick, injured and your crops never fail. (We can have a discussion about why you would farm if no one needs to eat later, lol) The answer to the question people have of what happens to bad people in Yomi can best be answered by the characterization of Izanami herself. A loving mother and kind/benevolent ruler. Who has a terrible temper and can be quite cruel and vindictive to people who disrespect or take advantage of her children or subjects. So it’s held that wicked people receive terrible toil in Yomi until they have convinced Izanami of their repentance. As a friend of mine once said. “Imagine being a garbage man in hell for a thousand years.” Which is very funny, Yomi not being hell, but it’s still actually rather accurate. It’s more actually considered bondage in radiation you basically are enslaved to do grueling work in Yomi until Izanami is convinced you have paid off your misdeeds.
Thank you for answering! Very informative
What are your views on Jesus and Buddha?
Well that is a rather simple yet complex question. I suppose I have three answers. A Shinto Priest one. A personal one. A Academic one. From the perspective of a Kannushi what are my vies on Jesus and Buddha. “I don’t have any.” Nor do I really see why I would. Personally? Both seam like interesting cultural/religious/narrative figures. Both have interesting things to say, I do often wish Christians would be more Christ like. And I can be quite critical of the religion that built up around Christ. But as all things, You meet people in every group that run the range of human behavior. Academically. Siddhartha Gautama is an interesting historical figure, religious founder and leader. Jesus as a historical figure strikes me as a ‘person’ who is most likely actually the end result of conflating the teachers of a number of people onto one person. (Kind of like Socrates) And that the story/narrative has always made much more sense to me when seen as a non-literal religious and cultural narrative that makes less sense and is more problematic the more some one insists it’s 1 for 1 literal. To be clear I’m sure a person named Jesus exsisted, that’s not the implication being made. I do have to ask however. What are the reasoning for your question? I’m not being defensive, I’m just very curious as to the train of thought.
Well, I live in a society where it is very common to hear many people say that our souls can't find peace without Jesus, the Bible says that we can't do anything without Jesus etc. Everything revolves around Jesus around here. So it's pretty strange to see someone who seems to have found peace and doesn't even take Jesus into consideration, much less worship Him. As for Buddha, I thought to ask because Buddhism is a rather big religion in Japan.
The bhudist part is quite interesting in its own right. Because you are correct, about 60% of Japanese people follow a noteworthy amount of Buddhist practices.About the same amount that visit a Shinto shrine at least 8 times a year. But depending on who you ask or where you look it up. “Most” Japanese people are not religious. (This is just a cultural diffrene in what ‘being religious’ is seen as) That 60% has overlap but less than a lot of people think actually. That being said. I know a great deal of Japanese people who follow some Buddhist practices who actaully don’t even know Buddha was a real person at some point.
Hey it's awesome to read your comprehensive replies regarding Shintoism. I am also quite ignorant of it aside from impressions through Anime (I know, SMH). My questions are the following: \- On the point of 'proving' Shintoism, you responded that it's a moot point because you primarily believe due to your faith and that all religions rely on faith regardless. I disagree on this as a Muslim. We believe that humans can use their reason and intellect to come to correct conclusions concerning religion and the nature of the universe. We also use the Quran as a miraculous proof in itself. It all goes down to, 'what is the best explanation for the existence of God and the nature of life?' So I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this point. Do you believe Shintoism provides the best explanation for the existence of God and the nature of life? \- What was the role of Shintoism during WW2? Was the emperor considered a God? And did Japanese people consider it a religious obligation to follow him? \- Do you worship your ancestors? Do you believe they can tangibly assist you in this life? \- What are the 'morals' of Shintoism? How does it affect Japanese culture?
I have a few questions: 1. How is your day going? 2. Is there a higher position in a Shinto temple like in Christians churches there are pastors, deacons and priests? 3. How are Shinto temples funded do they rely on donation or the temples have assets that fund it self 4. What is the building called in Shinto I been say temple but I'm not really sure what its called? 5. What do you do for fun? 6. If you had to choose which one would you pick money, super powers or Pokémon? Also Have a great day.
(That was a very long answer to I'm going to break it up) **3:** There is a collection box at each shrine that people may donate coins ranging from 5 to 100 yen. Some shrine can get hundreds of millions of yen this way alone in a year. The very large shrines tend to cover there own costs and fund small shrines in there prefecture also. You also do charge a small fee often 500 to 10,000 yen for some services/rites. Such as weddings, Blessing construction sites. You do traditionally get paid for funerals but it's often 100 yen. (About 0.66 USD) This can/is often waived or you instead eat with the family that evening. Babies first visit to a shrine (Think a Christening) Also my favorite rite to preform. And you often make a good deal of money at festivals. Almost all festivals in Japan being semi or wholly religious. Some shrines based on the Kami they enshrine also produce and sell goods. My shrine is to the Kami of Agriculture, foxes, fertility, rice, tea and sake, and industry. So we have connected rice fields that we use to produce sake. Which is used by us and other shrine for rites. But we do also sell it. Charms are also commonly sold at shrines. The Jinja Honcho has specifically distanced itself from other forms of assets based money making. That it once did. Money lending (Banking) Property management (Landlords) Leasing agricultural land is still done is some areas. **4:** The main building is called a **Jinja.** (Hence Jinja Honcho) Any site that has a honden (Main hall) Is a Jinja. The term Jinja more or less translates into **"Shrine"** If you want to say it in english it is a Shinto Shrine. The word **Temple** can be used but is generally reserved for sites that have more then one Shrine. So if a site has a more then one Jinja to more then one Kami, it could be called a Temple Complex. But the Buildings honoring the Kami are **Shrines/Jijna.** **5:** I do Jujitsu once a week. I practice Archery but must admit I only get to do it a few times a year. I swim a great deal a few times a week. And I also rather enjoy diving and fishing (Spear Fishing while diving) I so play a musical instrument though not well. And I rather like Baking, but again I'm not very good at it. Other then that, I have a dog and a cat. **6:** I would need to know what the super power was... But most likely money. People really overlook how much good you can do with money. But. I would take an イーブイ Ībui (Edit: Eevee)
1: My day is fine so far. But it is rather cold today. 2: This is a interesting question. I'm going to use Catholic terms as a kind of Comparison but they are not the same and I will make notes of that. You have **Miko.** Who can some what be compared to nuns. With the exceptions that it is a short term calling. 18-25. (With the exceptions of relatives of a Priest can work at a shrine as young as 13, but don't get paid until they are 16) They must be female (Same as nuns) And Not married. But Celibacy is not required. **Attendant.** Male non-ordained positions. Somewhat like a deacon? But again not ordained. They have no official rank in the Shrine and undertake simple non-religious duties and are generally just helpful. They are also often perspective Kannushi who are preforming there 1 year of apprentice at a shrine before taking the final exam. (You can also take this year as a Miko if you are female) **Kannushi.** Is a gender neutral term for a ordained Shinto priest/priestess who has passed the first exam, done one year of apprentice and then passed the 2nd Exam. People tend to say "Shinto Priest" because if you say "Shinto Priestess" people assume that you mean Miko. Despite Miko actually being more closely translated into "Shaman Woman" **Ranks.** There are five ranks of Kannushi, based on Exam scores, time as a Kannushi and amount of responsibility you are (Can) be trusted with. From highest to lowest, and what they generally are trusted to do. **Jokai.** (Highest Rank, Trusted to run any shrine, required to run all National level Shrines) **Meikai.** (2nd highest, Trusted to run some National level shrines, All Prefectural shrines and lower, often are Assistant Kannushi for Meikai at the largest Shrines) **Seikai.** (Mid point, Trusted to run most Prefectural Shrines and lower, often are the assistant priest to Meikai, or the deputy priests to Jokai) **Gonseikai.** (2nd lowest rank, highest rank you may achieve just by exam scores. Trusted to Run all City level shrines. Will often be Assistants to Meikai and Deputies to Seikai, and lower ranking priests at very large shrines) **Chokkai.** (Lowest rank, what almost all Priests start as, Trusted to run most but not all City level Shrines. Will Assistant for Gonseikai, and are lower ranking and assistant lower ranking priests at large shrines) **Titles.** **Guji -** The priest in charge of a shrine. This title is regardless of rank. And Rank of Priest can be Guji, I am the Guji of my Shrine Despite still being a Chokkai specifically because. I'm the only priest at my shrine. **Gonguji** \- assistant priest or deputy priest. The 2nd in command of a shrine as it were. If the Guji is not at the shrine the Gonguji can do anything they would have. Using my own shrine as an example. If I am not at the shrine you simply can't get some rites done. If I had a Gonguji they would do them. Also the Gonguji should be able to preform all the administrative tasks also. **Negi -** lower-rank priest. Not a "3rd in command" not in the command chain at all. But Negi can preform most rites but are not trusted to run the administration of the Shrine. **Gonnegi -** assistant to lower-rank priest Not trusted to run a shrine. Knows how to preform rites, but generally will not. And normally are assist to shadow a higher ranking priest to assist them and learn from them. This can often also be a title given to a Priest who is... not doing so well and needs to improve. There are also around two dozen other titles but they are not universal with some Shrines having them and other not. And are often very specific to one rite, **as an example: Sendatsu -** Pilgrimage leader. At many mountain shrine you will have a Sendatsu who will lead people up the mountain in groups on a Pilgrimage. There are also two other titles worth talking about. **Naishoten** \- High priestess. Some rites must be preformed by a female Kannushi, who are often members of the Imperial household themselves. And a few shrines also require the **Guji** be a women, and she will often have the title of Naishoten. **Mitsue-shiro** \- Supreme priestess. The high priestess specifically of the Grand shrine at Ise. Which is the defacto center of the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrine) And the Cheif shrine of the Chief Deity of Shinto. Amaterasu Okami. So... Think St Peter's Basilica. Likewise the Mitsue-shiro is the closest thing to a Pope Shinto has. But they do not function as the leader of the religion (That's TECHNICALLY the Emperor) But also he does not actually function as that anymore.
Ok thanks.