Brief Description of Shintoism
The Shinto religion is the native religion of Japan, and the word 'Shinto' means 'way of the gods'. Unlike Christianity, there are many kami (gods) and they often take the form of things close to life and nature such as trees, mountains, rivers, wind, rain, and fertility. People also become kami after they die and are worshipped as ancestral gods by their relatives.
In Shinto religion, people are believed to be essentially good. Therefore, the evil people do is caused by evil spirits. As a result, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by prayer, purification, and offerings to the kami.
Shinto is deeply rooted in the history of the Japanese. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Shinto was officially recognized as state religion but after the Second World War the state and the Shinto religion were officially separated.
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Visiting a Shinto Shrine
Shinto
shrines are the homes of the kami and therefore places of worship. Shrines are visited during special yearly events such as 'oshogatsu' (New Year's holiday) and festivals. People also visit shrines to pay respect to the kami and pray for good fortune.
Throughout the year there are countless festivals held all over Japan to celebrate such events as the coming farming season, the harvest or important local historical events. Some festivals are small, local festivals while others are huge and attract people from all over Japan. If you are lucky enough to experience such a festival, or matsuri, it will be an event you will always remember.
How should you behave when visiting a shrine? It is not much different than visiting a church or cathedral. Visitors are expected to behave respectfully and to dress appropriately. Near the shrine's entrance you will find a purification fountain. Pick up the ladle lying over the small well, fill it with the water provided, and rinse both hands. Then transfer some water into your cupped hand, rinse your mouth and spit the water beside the fountain. You are not supposed to drink the water directly from the ladle. Many people however only wash their hands or simple do not perform this purification ritual.
At the offering hall, throw a coin (any amount will do) into the offering box, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray for a few seconds. If there is some type of gong, use it before praying in order to 'wake up' the gods.
Visitors are usually allowed to take pictures at shrines but watch for signs banning photography, just in case. Sacred objects representing the kami are stored in the inner chamber of the shrine where they cannot be seen except on very special occasions.
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Brief Description of Buddhism
In the 6th Century, Buddhism made its way into Japan through Korea and
China. Unlike Shintoism, Buddhism has a founder, Gautama Siddhartha,
and the religion is based on his teachings. At first, there
were some conflicts between Buddhism and Shintoism but eventually the two
religions learned to live together in relative harmony.
Throughout history
Buddhism gained political influence. During the 8th Century in
Nara, it was this influence that prompted the move of Japan's capital
from Nara to Kyoto.
The first branch of Buddhism introduced to Japan was
Mahayana Buddhism but this was soon followed by other sects of Buddhism from
China such as the Tendai sect (805 AD), the Shingon sect (806
AD) and the
Zen sect (1195 AD). Other popular sects like Jodo (1175
AD), Jodo-Shinshu (1224 AD) and Nichiren (1253) developed in Japan as well.
Today in Japan about 90 million people consider themselves
Buddhist but the religion does not strongly affect people's
everyday life, except on such
occasions as funerals.
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Visiting a
Buddhist Temple
As with Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples are places of worship and visitors
should behave respectfully and dress appropriately. Every town in Japan has
a temple. Some cities like Kyoto have thousands of temples.
Visitors can
show their respect at a temple by throwing a coin (any amount will do) into the offering
box in front of the main hall and then quietly saying a short prayer.
When entering temple buildings, as a sign of respect you may be required to
take off your shoes. Leave your shoes on the shelves at the entrance or take
them with you in plastic bags provided at some temples.
At some temples, visitors burn incense in large incense burners.
The smoke from the incense burners is believed to have healing power or to
make you more intelligent.
Temples store and display sacred Buddhist objects, and some of them used to
or still function as monasteries.
Photography is usually permitted on the temple grounds. It is not allowed
indoors at some temples so visitors should watch for signs.
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