Shinto is a religious belief that emerged in Japan, formed by a series of legends and myths that explain the origin of the world, life and the Japanese imperial family.
Shintoism is a religion based on respect and worship of nature, being considered a great ally and essential for the existence of life on Earth. The man-nature relationship is at the heart of Shinto. this is a belief pantheistic, that is, believes that all elements are God (composed of substances, forces and laws of nature). In this way, there are several gods (kami), each responsible for a specific element of nature and the Cosmos.
You kami (gods) can have the most varied forms, from human beings, animals, storms, rocks, rivers, stars and so on. However, the main deity of Shinto is the goddess of the Sun. Amaterasu Omikami, which, according to legend, was born from the left eye of the god of creation, Azanagui.
Some scholars even disregard Shintoism as a religion, as it does not have a dogma established, a scripture of laws, moral code or even a founding author or prophet, like others religions. However, what makes Shinto one of the most important religions in the world is its influence on the most varied aspects of the lives of its followers, who adopt the Shinto philosophy in their daily lives even if they already have another type of belief.
Receptiveness to new cultures and religions is also one of the characteristics of Shintoism, which is not classified as an exclusive belief. Shinto is formed by a set of beliefs typical of Japan, being the only religion considered to be genuinely Japanese.
The word Shinto came from the expression Kami-no-Michi, which in literal translation means "Way of the gods".
Shinto ceremonies can be performed at home or in temples, having four main stages: purification (cleaning the mouth and hands with water); the offerings (small amulets, paintings and other objects); the prayers and the holy feast.
In Shinto rituals, the need to establish a balance between human beings and nature, which is understood as a guide and partner of man, predominates. To reach this balance, it is necessary to purify the body and soul.
The Shinto vision of connection and intimacy with nature is opposed to the behavior of Western man, who sees natural forces as adversaries, fighting and trying to dominate and subjugate it.
Currently, it is estimated that about 119 million people practice Shinto in Japan. The number is high because of the lack of exclusivity of Shinto as a religion, that is, many Japanese have other beliefs and yet practice typically Shinto rituals at home or in the temples.
Shintoism gained prominence in Japan only from the 6th century onwards. This was considered the official religion of the Japanese empire because, according to local mythology, the country's emperors were descendants of the creator kami of Japan.
However, in 1946, with Japan's defeat in World War II, Emperor Hiroithus renounced the divided character that was attributed to Japanese rulers. Thus, the new Japanese constitution started to defend the religious freedom of the population.
read about religious diversity.
Shinto Gods
The Shinto gods are called kami, divinities that are represented by the most varied forms present in nature and in the Universe, such as rivers, stones, storms, stars, the Sun, the Moon and so on.
There are thousands of kami, however, in Shinto belief the main ones are: Amaterasu Oo-mikami, the great sun god; Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto, the Moon god; and Susano-O-no-Mikoto, the god of the sea and storms.
According to Shinto, the gods live in a place called Takama-no-hara, which means "High Plain of Heaven"
Shinto in Brazil
Shintoism in Brazil is practiced by a small community, usually formed by Japanese descendants or immigrants.
Main Shinto Temple of Brazil is located in the state of São Paulo and performs rituals and ceremonies in honor of ancestors, in addition to maintaining the tradition and philosophy of Shintoism among the Japanese who reside in Brazil.
Shinto and Buddhism
Shintoism and Buddhism are two religions that are syncretized in Japan, as about 80% of Japanese people practice Shinto rituals linked to the precepts of Buddhism.
Shinto came before Buddhism, yet Shintoists absorbed many of the Buddhist beliefs in their rituals and philosophy.
See also the meaning of buddhism.
