In this essay intends to perform an analysis of the
importance of Shinto in Japan, with the main objective point out the benefits
which were developed during this period of Japanese history. Note that in Japan
the importance of Buddhism and Shinto, are relevant because of the historical,
cultural and religious define the Japanese state.
It is very
important to know the meaning of the word religion, because it has many
interpretations from the actions of individuals, some authors says that
religion was created because of the various beliefs and actions of human
beings, such as believe in beyond or in the various monotheistic or
polytheistic deities. However, according to Cicerone, word religion comes from
"religare or religious" being an act of worship with rules strictly
linked (Hispanoteca, 2013). That is, we can handle the word of religion as a
divine where it includes faith and hope in a creed, as applied in Shinto
spiritual practices.
Shinto was
developed in Japan, as a belief system that worships natural deities, being
that the essence of Shinto is devotion that comes from Japanese kami spirits,
of which performs various rites (BBC, 2013). Since then, that the meaning of
Shinto comes from the Chinese characters for the word "Shen" meaning
"divine" and "Tao" which means the way, understanding
Shinto as the way of the spirits (Swick, 2012) .
The Shinto
rites and festivals are characterized by veneration towards their ancestors,
they focus on worshiping the deities of heaven and earth, to be of great
importance and respect for Japanese culture. Allowing the main objective for
the Japanese, is to have the value orientation and the different attitudes to
unify Japanese society.
It is worth
mentioning, the meaning was in the sixth century, it was necessary to
differentiate the indigenous rites of Buddhism. However, the rise of religion
or this term, was in the nineteenth
century, during the Meiji restoration, taking the name of Shukyo, such term is attributed to the influence of Christians that
subsequently add to Buddhism (Terrades:5). Shinto had to make the meaning of
religion over time, due to the lack of legitimacy of the Japanese government,
which is why the importance in the definition of Shinto is very important to
the Japanese, as it is an action that goes beyond ordinal of religion, as it
focuses on the true meaning of prayer and veneration of their ancestors, and
which has evolved according to the needs of the population.
The
principles that characterize Shinto is based on the appreciation of happiness,
for which they try to help each other to have benefits in the negotiations,
production, health, among other things, to perform well and be a functional
society. What we can understand of Shinto that is not a true expression of
religion but is a Japanese lifestyle.
For the
Japanese doing good means do good deeds for the welfare of society, they does
not believe that by giving good examples go to heaven, this kind of thinking
comes from the belief that people are born Shinto and die being Buddhist.
Therefore, is very important that it is critical that the kami, the spirits of
nature are conceived as sacred beings, their main objective is to protect
(Yusa: 18).
Likewise, it
should be mentioned that in Japan the practice of religion is not forbidden,
which is why it is possible to practice Shinto in a public way through the
temples, and in private reflecting in binding families. Therefore, the
importance that the Japanese give their various festivals, also called Matsuri, the thinking done thanking the
kami and offering their respect and obedience to the welfare of their society
(Yusa: 20).
Finally,
Shinto is a practice of devotion is of paramount importance to the Japanese, as
it is a way of life for a balance of goodness, justice and values, representing
a united society and with the strength of serve its faithful and Japanese
community residents. Since then, that Shinto can be expressed freely,
generating motivation for his faithful and hope to live in a society capable of
limiting negative actions that may harm society. The importance that Shinto had
in the creation and sustenance of the Japanese state was shown solidarity and
devotion to the deities, which are shaped by nature, without prejudice or value
concerns in denying cultural identity. In particular, Shinto is an important
agent in Japanese society, due to taken as a lifestyle and not a requirement to
personally profess the religion, is an example of the freedom to worship.
The Shinto
is very important to maintain an equilibrium in the society, because can be considerate
which as a thing essential to make a stable life of the individuals. Since then,
is considerate which as a lifestyle in the diverse socials circumstance, that
can be harm the equilibrium. To the Japanese society, is very important to maintain
the balance of the body with the spirit, the practice of Shinto which as
religion is the base to the devotions of the individuals, that the likewise is
promulgate which a lifestyle and of teaching, the difference negative actions
are counterproductive to can live very happy.
References
BBC, 2011. “Shinto
at a glance”. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/ataglance/glance.shtml
Dennis, S. (2012). “Shintoísmo”. Source: http://www.institutointerglobal.org/religion/2405-shintoismo
Justo, F. (2013). Etimología de la palabra
religio. Hispanoteca, Source: http://hispanoteca.eu/Foro-preguntas/ARCHIVO-Foro/Religión-religare-relegere.htm
Michiko, Y. (2002). “Jamanese Religions”.
Laurence King Publishing Ltd, 2002.
Minerva, T. (2012). “Género y deconstrucción
del Shintoísmo”. Universidd Autónoma de Barcelona.
Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, 31/2:
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Hardacre, H. (2004): "Religion and Civil
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