Shinto
I have a Japan trip coming up late October to early November. I am thinking about visiting several random places in the country which is not typical tourist spots. Yes, I will have to go to Tokyo, but I am not going to spend too much time there. My understanding and curiosity about Japan is long standing and it is rather strange that I haven't visited the country yet. I love several elements of Japanese culture and its various facets, so focusing on anything in particular is rather hard for me. In fact that is the very reason it took me so long to visit, because I have always been planning a grand trip and that trip is never happening. So finally I have decided that I will just go there and will figure out randomly what I feel like visiting. It is not going to be perfect, not even close, but my life or thoughts is never perfect. So that's that.
Before, I write too many things things about Shinto, I must confess that I am no expert on the subject, and I am simply writing this because this is what I am thinking right now. Also I must say, I am an atheist. I am born Hindu, but I am not religious Hindu. That said I am very deep knowledge of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy and I have studied both extensively.
That picture above is Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima. Whenever you look up Japanese philosophy of beliefs (Shinto) that that picture often show up. I am getting into the significance of the Torii (gates), but I must backtrack a bit on the core belief of shinto. The core worldview of Shinto, meaning "Way of the Kami," is animistic, polytheistic, and deeply rooted in nature and the indigenous traditions of Japan.
Kami:
The world is filled with divine spirits called Kami. Kami are not transcendent (outside of the world) but immanent—they reside in and are part of the world. They can be forces of nature (sun, mountains, waterfalls), spirits of ancestors, or particularly impressive or awe-inspiring objects/people.
Emphasis on Purity and Harmony:
The goal of life is to live in harmony with the kami and the natural world. Maintaining purity (kiyome) is paramount, as impurity (kegare) separates a person from the kami. Shinto rituals, like the washing at a temizuya, are primarily focused on purification (harae) to restore this harmony.
Celebration of Life and the Present:
Shinto is largely concerned with this world and promoting life, fertility, growth, and prosperity. It is a religion of affirmation, celebrating the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
Significance of Torii
The torii gate is arguably the most recognizable symbol of Shinto and holds a profound spiritual and practical significance. The primary function of a torii is to mark the transition from the mundane world to the sacred world of the kami. When you step through a torii, you are entering a space where the divine resides. It's a symbolic threshold, a physical representation of the spiritual boundary. For this reason, it's customary to stop and bow before passing through the gate.
In other words, Torii is simply a portal.
Passing through the torii is an act of spiritual purification, a preliminary step before approaching the shrine's main halls. This is why you often find a temizuya (purification fountain) just inside the torii—it allows visitors to ritually cleanse their hands and mouth to remove kegare (impurity) before entering the truly sacred precincts.
The approach to a shrine, known as the sandō, is often marked by a series of torii gates. The center of this path is called the seichū and is reserved for the kami. It is considered respectful for human visitors to walk along the sides of the path, leaving the center clear for the deities.
For anyone in Japan, the presence of a torii is the simplest way to identify a Shinto shrine and distinguish it from a Buddhist temple. This visual cue has become so iconic that a small torii icon is used on maps to represent Shinto shrines.
Torii gates come in various styles, materials, and colors, each with its own specific meaning. While many are made of wood and painted in a striking vermilion—a color believed to ward off evil spirits—others are unpainted, made of stone, or even bronze. The famous thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, for example, were donated by businesses to show gratitude to the kami Inari for prosperity.
I do not know if I will have a chance to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto or not, the place is mostly mobbed with tourists, and I will be one more! I am not sure I want that, but man, the images are spectacular!
Anyways, before this rambling post get too long, here are some of the places I am thinking about visiting. Obviously this is impossible, no human can visit this many places in 10 days! But, these are just dots on google maps so far, even if I can visit 5 of these places in 10 days I will consider myself happy.
Similarity between Hinduism and Shinto
Before I close this thought, I find these two be quite close. Both are not really a religion per se, it is just a way of life at a region of the planet. It is an indigenous philosophy that evolved organically out of the ancient traditions, myths, and nature worship of the people over centuries, both for Shinto and Hindu. It developed from pre-literate village cults and agricultural rituals, rather than from a single charismatic prophet or teacher. Also there are no unique book! Which I love a lot!
If I make a table, perhaps my scattered thoughts will be better organized...
| Feature | Shinto | Hinduism |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Indigenous Japanese, evolved from ancient nature and ancestral worship. | Indigenous Indian, a synthesis of diverse traditions and philosophies. |
| Founder | None (No single historical founder). | None (No single historical founder). |
| Deities | Polytheistic, centered on Kami (divine spirits in nature, ancestors, or powerful forces). | Polytheistic/Henotheistic; millions of gods/goddesses, often seen as manifestations of the ultimate reality (Brahman). |
| Sacred Texts | No single canonical text; core mythology found in Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. | Extensive canonical texts including the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. However, none can be said to be singular. |
| Focus of Life | Living in this world, achieving purity (kiyome), harmony with kami and nature, and celebrating life. | Focuses on spiritual liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (Saṃsāra), governed by Karma and Dharma (duty). |
| Goal/Afterlife | Focus is on the present; little emphasis on heaven/hell. The deceased become ancestral kami. | Liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (Saṃsāra) is the ultimate goal. |
You see, they diverged towards the bottom, especially in focus of life and afterlife. For a proper Hindu afterlife is a big deal, rather the 'only deal'; because the present life, the current life is just 'a matrix'! :) More on the Matrix later, someday!
Everything you write is spot on! Well researched! One thing I might add is that some Japanese scholars think that Shinto originated as a branch of Taoism, As you might imagine, researchers with a more nationalist bent strongly reject that, so it remains a contested area.
You actually will find torii gates in temples sometimes. As you may know from you research, Buddhism and Shinto were basically fused for most of Japanese history until the Meiji government forcefully separated them (and unfortunately set off a trend among nationalist of burning temples and irreplaceable temple objects), so you do still find some mixup between them today. The best example of that is the komainu lion dogs which flank the entrance to many shrines. They were originally Buddhist things, but they ended up moving to Shinto. Torii gates didn't make the exchange to Buddhism, but you do find some temples that have shrines inside them complete with torii gate (and you will find shrines with temples inside them). This kind of thing would have been extremely common before the Meiji forced separation, but it can still be found here and there.
Also of interest to you may be that Buddhism in Japan makes use of the Indian Siddham script. When Kūkai introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan, he did so with the Siddham script which at the time was considered the most suitable script for writing Sanskrit. Shingon monks are still required to learn it and it is used for mantras and chanting. When you are walking around Japan, if you see any Buddhist statues with Siddham syllables written on them, you know that its for Shingon Buddhism.
I wish you the best of time! Japan is wonderful. But 10 days is not enough. A life time isn't enough...
Oh, yes. I know about the connection to Taoism and Shinto. Also know the separation is forced and perhaps political.
But I have a little titbit to add on something else. You do know that Gautam was in fact a Hindu prince. He was born Hindu. The only way you can become a Hindu. In India, it is largely believed and demonstrated that Buddhism is nothing but one of the reformist movements of Hinduism out of many. Jain, Sikh etc are some of the others.
Yes, a lifetime is not enough for Japan! Sigh!
It is always interesting how they all are related. I don't know much about Hinduism, beyond some of the basic myths, but I have heard it said among some of the Zen roshis I've interacted with that Vedanta has much in common with Zen. That's always stuck in my mind.
They are essentially the same at its core
Oh man! Japan is a total bucket/wish list place for me. I am sure you will love it and the sights to see and that blummin culture too. You might be able to do most of the general locations but not the individual sites? So exciting tho!
I have bought a JR rail pass. They have increased the price of that thing a lot.
Whatever it is, I have to ride as many bullet train (Shinkansen) as I want now! :)
Always wanted to do that. But I might have to live in the train... phew!
Those trains are incredible, it will almost be worth the time spent in them! 😀
Planning to get to this place
There are some good outcrops there for geology :)
See for yourself
https://donnykimball.com/motonosumi-inari-shrine-a052ed36b5aa?srsltid=AfmBOoplF35_UGtWjOsP2tIxlfqcmONgy0MYUmABucqxYUP69gUyBPBS
Wow, that looks beautiful. I love all the fox spirit stuff. This is going to be an epic holiday!
In Tokyo, I suggest the Meiji Shrine. Be warned that you will have to take long a walk. We gave up not even half way through. Here's some photos from my trip. https://peakd.com/hive-163772/@logen9f/exploring-kiyomasa-s-well-a
Yes, I have heard about that one!
Funny thing, it is literally in the middle of the city!
Yes, it's a large park in the city. Accessible but very tiring if you're not prepared.
Here in Ecuador the Kichwa and other indigenous tribes have the "Sumak Kawsay" or "Buen Vivir" or "Good living". It's very similar, not a religion, but a way of living that is focused on a balance between humans and nature, respect and consideration. It even was included into the current constitution. While the term is rather new, the idea is very old. There might have been some influence from those who created the term though, as it was never conceptualized before, but more of a "it is how it is", without any need to be put down in words - which is logical, as there is no writing in Kichwa.
Most pagan beliefs are that way all over the world. That’s the original way.
Later bunch of morons messed it up :)
I'm sure @dbooster, @rt395 or @akipponn can give you some recommendations, or check on Worldmappin, that's what I normally do whenever I plan my travels. Wherever you go, I'm sure you're going to enjoy it, Japan is a great country, and if you get the timing right, you might even get to see the famous maple leaves
Well, got plenty of recommendations, that's not the problem. Problem is the time, it's always the time.
I guess I need to retire!
Great to hear you are coming to visit this wonderful country I am sitting in right now. 10 days is indeed a short time, but still enough to explore some of the hidden treasures. I think Tokyo is a must, even still for me, otherwise I recommend Kyoto and surroundings. Hokkaido would be nice too, but maybe better to save this for the next visit, cause I am quite sure you will want to come back here!
Thank you.
I am looking forward to the visit. Still making changes to the plan, if there is a plan!
Hello friend.
I’m sure you’re going to love Japan. I worked there for about 6 months in 2016 and it was an amazing experience. I lived in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Work was pretty demanding, so I didn’t have much time to visit tourist spots, but I definitely indulged in the food—and I loved it! The only temple I remember visiting was Meiji, and it truly captivated me. I’m certain you’re going to enjoy it a lot.
Yes, I know about the work culture of the 'salarymen' there. It is brutal. I don't know why that is not changing with time..
I think it is deeply rooted in their culture of sacrifice. For a Latino it is very difficult, but it was a good experience.
Yeah honor and sacrifice
Also
Honor of sacrifice!
To make you love Japan even more, let me share an anecdote. Once, I went with some friends to Akihabara to buy a few things. Gustavo, a friend of mine, lost his wallet with about 2,000 dollars and his documents — right in Akihabara station, one of the busiest in Tokyo. He realized it only when we reached the store, around 300 meters away. Our interpreter told us the best thing was to retrace our steps, so that’s what we did.
When we went back, the wallet was still there on the ground. People walked around it as if it were just a stone in the river. A security guard was standing nearby; when he saw us pick it up, he came over and checked Gustavo’s documents. Everything was intact.
In Latin America, that would be simply impossible. I think it was one of the things that impressed me most about Japan.
Yes, that would be impossible is most places in the world. Including US
I just read about Shintoism on Wikipedia. Ancestral spirits and nature spirits. The world will become a wonderful place for those who understand this truth. My worldview is close to Shintoism.
Yeah, makes sense.
Firstly, I am curious as to why you receive downvotes on posts like this. Is it some kind of personal feud? Honestly, downvotes shouldn't even exist. In my opinion, the healthy equivalent is to just ignore the other person. If you don't like something, just don't give it an audience, right?
Now about your post:
I greatly admire Eastern doctrines and philosophies. I haven't had time to study Shintoism yet, but I have a similar position to yours (atheism). However, in this sense, Shinto ends up sounding too "spiritual" for my taste, with the idea of these "spirits of nature, and everything being god." That's why I ended up delving deeper into Buddhism, especially Theravada, which is the "cleanest and most skeptical" of the doctrines, relying only on oneself for evolution, without beliefs, without god, without spirits. However, even Theravada has its problems and beliefs. I think my thing is scientific objectivism, pragmatism, etc.
On a different note, your KE ratio is above 8. Consider lowering it to below 3. Otherwise it will be difficult for you get any traction. You lower KE by powering up some Hive.
That was a valuable tip, man. Thank you very much. I confess that I had to do some research to understand what you are calling KE. And I was especially curious about where you found this information, that I am extracting more profit than donating knowledge, and I cannot deny it, but I justify myself by reinforcing what I have already said in other answers: I kind of NEED this money, otherwise I wouldn't be taking it, and this must have happened mainly because about a year ago I did a big power down, but since then I've been avoiding it, and I've even gone back to powering up every week, even if it's with the few coins I end up receiving. It is never my intention to be a freeloader here, so much so that I dedicate myself to writing real, lengthy, dense content that I think can add more than just minor distractions. Precisely to reinforce this idea of "knowledge."
It's a long journey, and little by little I'm settling in here. Thanks for the valuable tip!
Everyone can see it right here :)
It’s a setting at PeakD that one turns on. I have it on and that is the first thing I see regarding people, before I even see their names
Sorry for my naivety! LOL
I've been used to only using Ecency all these years, and I don't remember seeing anything like this there. Much of the information on Peakd is still new to me, and I need to dedicate myself to learning about it.
Downvote should absolutely exist. :)
I have no problem receiving votes, whether it is up or down. If I can receive upvote. why can't I receive downvote? I tell people vote as you want, just be ready for the consequences.
Thank you for your comment.
I'm glad you are finally going to be able to visit and I hope you have a great time! Japan is a place I would love to visit one day as well, but I will likely never make it there.
Never say never
Wow, you write very well. Well-research. Hope to visit Japan as well. That's one of the places I wanted to go to.