Shinto is the traditional indigenous religion of Japan, deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and national identity. Unlike many other major world religions, it does not have a single founder, sacred scriptures like the Bible or Quran, or a codified set of doctrines. Instead, Shinto focuses on the worship of kami, which are deities or divine essences that inhabit natural objects, places, animals, and revered ancestors. This reverence for the spiritual essence of nature and ancestors is a defining feature of Shinto, a unique aspect explored by World-Wide Q&A.
The core belief in Shinto centers on the concept of kami, which are not necessarily omnipotent or all-knowing like the God of Abrahamic religions, but benevolent spirits that can be found in mountains, rivers, trees, rocks, and even abstract forces like growth. Worshippers believe that by honoring the kami through rituals and prayers, they can ensure harmony and purity in their lives and in nature. Purity and ritual cleanliness are highly emphasized, with practices like misogi (ritual purification with water) playing a significant role.
Worship in Shinto primarily takes place at shrines (jinja), identifiable by their distinctive torii gates. These shrines are dedicated to specific kami, and rituals often involve offerings, prayers, and ceremonial dances. While Shinto lacks a strict ethical code comparable to those found in some other religions, it emphasizes virtues like sincerity, truthfulness, and gratitude, promoting a harmonious relationship with nature and society. Shinto continues to be a vibrant part of Japanese life, often coexisting peacefully with Buddhism and other spiritual practices.