The culture of modern Japanese is very different from other peoples of the world. And contributed to this state of affairs religion of ancient japan. The mentality of the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun can be contrasted with the way of thinking of the citizens of any European state. And since Japan for a long period was a closed and non-contact country, the view of the world that grew out of totemism and Shintoism firmly settled in the minds and hearts of the Japanese.
The Roots of Japan's Ancient Religion
Around the 6th century, processes began in Japan to unite several religions, which were already popular in the country. Initially, the simple beliefs of the Japanese were based on the spiritualization of all life on earth. They believed that the world came into being as a result of the spontaneous desire of heaven and earth. Goddess Izanami and God Izanagi gave birth to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, who was especially revered in Japan. And the Japanese islands themselves, according to legend, appeared from drops that fell from a spear raised from the World Ocean and hardened. It was God Izanagi who raised this spear, and is still considered the founder of this state.
The above legend is the main one in the ancient Japanese religion "Shinto", or Shintoism. By the way, this religious movement was formed without Chinese influence. And it contained the following postulates:
- Life is everywhere. Stone, man, insect, water - everything has a spirit, lives and thinks;
- Every material object in the world has a kami (soul);
- Special attitude towards stones. The Japanese believed that after death a person's soul was encased in stone to protect his family;
- The unity of nature and people is the highest value in Shintoism;
- There are no contrasts, divisions into good and bad;
- Yin and Yang exist in harmony, being the basis of the universe.
Since the fourth century, when the Mongol tribes occupied the territories of what would become Japan, there were beliefs in magic, animism and totemism. Until the 7th century, these directions actively developed together with the peoples themselves. Then, thanks to the influence of China, its language and culture, Confucianism and Buddhism appeared in Japan.
Shintoism is the mythological belief in the divine origin of the Japanese people. Based on aspects of religion, any Japanese was considered a descendant of second-rate spirits, and the emperor himself was a descendant of the spirits of heaven itself.
The cult of ancestors and the worship of mother nature - these are the theses that aroused sacred awe in every resident of Japan. As such, there was no centralization of divine power, but there was a variety of spheres where different kami (souls) lived.
In addition to the huge pantheon of official Gods and Goddesses, all families in Japan had their own deities, which they worshiped right in the courtyards of their homes. Small stone structures were erected for the deified ancestors. According to the records of that time, there were no special rites or ritual actions then. And even the religion itself got its name from the Chinese, not the Japanese. Its name in translation sounded like “the path of the local Gods.”
Buddhism, which penetrated into the Land of the Rising Sun and took strong roots there in the Middle Ages, can be called a superstructure of the main Japanese religion. Shintoism and Buddhism are tightly fused with each other, almost without contradicting each other. Even the temples of the two religions looked similar. In Buddhist temples, a separate altar was sometimes erected to honor ancestor spirits. But in Shinto temples there were still simplified rituals of worshiping totem figurines that symbolized deities. After pronouncing magical formulas, priests (kannushi) and parishioners left modest gifts in Shinto shrines: seafood, vegetables, fruits and rice.
Those who professed the religion of their ancestors were expected to submit unquestioningly to the divine authority of the emperor, as well as to the authority of those higher in the public hierarchy. In the 19th century, Buddhism was banned, and Shintoism split into small branches that harmoniously complemented each other. But in 1889, a law was passed for the Japanese that allowed freedom of religion. And Buddhism returned to Japan legally. Shintoism became a family religion, where each clan could practice its own version of Shinto, or change it to another at will.
Modern manifestations of Shintoism in Japan are contained in 80 thousand active shrines. More than 27 thousand Kannusi clergy perform rituals there. The life of priests is practically no different from the life of ordinary Japanese. They can get married, have children, work other jobs.
Temples receive income from pilgrimages, and temple servants also sell various amulets and amulets. Wedding ceremonies are held within the walls of sacred buildings. Various festivals are regularly organized.
During sacrifices, the Kannusi pray to the spirits for favor. They try to summon the largest number of positively minded kami, and also appease and make peace with evil spirits.
In villages, the religious component of “Shinto” stands out more strongly than in cities with a population of over a million. There, people turn to the patron of the village in case of crop failure, and try to solve everyday problems through appeals to their ancestors. They believe in myths and legends. Follow the signs.
City dwellers rarely perform daily ritual acts. Basically, their contact with religions is limited to holiday rituals.
Written information about the ancient belief is contained in the works “Kojiki” and “Nihongi”. Mythological treatises were created in the 700s AD. And they contain legends that were previously passed on from mouth to mouth.
The highest deity in Shintoism is the Goddess Amaterasu. In addition to the supreme goddess, there are more than 8 million kami in Shinto mythology. Shintoism can be considered more than just a religion. This is a peculiar mixture of worldviews, spiritual techniques and ideas. Where the main thing is not prayer, but actions and lifestyle. This is why many Japanese homes look so ascetic, and their diet is simple and unpretentious.
The main rituals of Shintoism are the purification harai. Among the goals of rituals one can highlight the desire to cleanse oneself of unnecessary and superficial things in order to see the world clearly and clearly.
Harmony of the human world, the world of spirits and the world of nature is the highest goal of this religion. In addition, the “divine” origin of the Japanese people is of considerable importance. According to the tenets of Shinto, the Japanese are the direct descendants of the gods, created according to their conscious desire. The ideology of superiority over other people in the world runs like a red thread through all Shinto mythology. Every Japanese believes that after death he will also become a kami, therefore he respects various spirits and deities. For Shinto adherents, the world is not divided into good and bad, but is a chain of relationships where everything depends on circumstances. But absolute evil, like absolute good, does not exist.
Basics of Shintoism
Shintoism is based on the concept of "kami". It is central to the entire religion, which is why Shintoism is often called the “religion of kami.” Kami is the soul, the spiritual essence of the object. The spirit of kami can be found not only in living beings or partially adjacent plants, but also in other objects and phenomena.
Kami can be good or evil. They ask the good for protection, and try to protect themselves from the evil with the help of amulets. Totemism is one of the characteristic features of Shintoism, along with multiple magical practices.
The concepts of good and evil in Japanese beliefs are very different from European ones, not having an unambiguous character. There are no universal definitions of godly actions; one should proceed from one’s own morality. The main benefit is the ability to live in harmony with oneself and the world around us.
It is important to note that initially bad does not exist. The world was a priori created ideal, and people sinless. But evil spirits bring discord both in hearts and throughout life.
The surrounding world is inhabited by spirits - kami, who, along with people, are full members of life. They embody the souls of deceased ancestors, who are always close to their descendants, watching them, evaluating their actions. A follower of Shintoism must resist demonic forces, seek protection from wise kami and not disrupt the course of life intended by nature.
Shintoists go to shrines to pray, although this is not obligatory. It is believed that a kami lives in every home - people build a small altar to this spirit and bring him offerings so that he will guard the family.
You can find altars for some kami that are not served by priests, but people take care of them themselves. For example, an altar to Inari, the patroness of the home and crafts, is often found. It can be recognized by the image of a fox, which symbolizes this goddess.
Altar of Inari
It is important to undergo a purification ritual before turning to the gods. It includes washing, changing clothes, washing hands, rinsing the mouth. A person who has recently touched something forbidden (blood, a corpse) or even seen it is not allowed to the altar.
The concepts of pure and unclean are of great importance in Shintoism; Shintoists also regularly undergo ritual cleansing from the priest - in this way their inner world is freed from filth.
Japan and Buddhism
Today, the traditional religion of Japan is Buddhism. Along with Shintoism, this religious philosophy has firmly taken root in the spiritual component of the country. Before World War II, Shintoism was recognized as the official religion in the Land of the Rising Sun, and Buddhism was only an auxiliary direction of spiritual development. Today Japan is considered a secular state, and all religions on its territory are the personal choice of every Japanese.
In 467, five monks from China visited what is now Japan and introduced Buddhism into the culture of the people living there.
Later, the new faith gained both ardent supporters and categorical opponents in Japan. The Soga clan advocated a new religion, while members of the Mononobe family rejected Buddhism completely. The confrontation between two famous families led to the victory of Soga. And Buddhism began to be officially recognized and developed.
Contrary to world stereotypes, Buddhism is a heterogeneous religion, and not as peaceful as it seems at first glance. There is historical evidence that Buddhist schools were at odds with each other, sometimes leading to bloody civil strife.
In the 8th century, there were six schools of Buddhism in Japan. These were the following schools:
- Sanron-shu. The school was characterized by a “middle way”, as a rejection of extremes, as well as a philosophy of emptiness;
- Hosso-shu. This school believed that consciousness is the repository of all ideas that have been and will be on earth;
- Kusya. This teaching was based on the general doctrines of Buddhism;
- Jedjitsu. Considered a Japanese offshoot of Saron;
- Risshu. It honored the monastic precepts of the Vinaya, leveling out philosophical theories;
- Kegon-shu. For representatives of this school, the world is a single whole, and everything is interpenetrating.
Many of the above schools do not operate today. Others united into one school. Ordinary people could not fully comprehend all aspects of the teachings, but the nobility and the clergy seriously developed these theories. Buddhism coexisted peacefully with other religions, absorbed their features, and in return, saturated spiritual life with its subtleties.
In the 9th century, two schools of Buddhism successfully developed at the Imperial Palace: Shingon-shu and Tendai-shu. In the 11th century, the doctrine of the “pure land” gained popularity. In the 12th century, the teachings of the Zen school spread. Then different schools won the championship with varying degrees of success. Today, classical schools of Buddhism are represented in Japan in the form of 60 groups that have membership in the All Japan Buddhist Association.
Neo-Buddhism also originated in the country. It differs from the traditional belief in its greater monotheism and cult of the leader. The purpose of rituals is to obtain earthly goods. There is also very active work with young people in this area. Each ritual is thought out to the smallest detail by the school leaders, and usually looks like a beautiful and vibrant production.
The various schools of Buddhism combine almost all aspects of philosophy, or are content with only a few of them. Philosophy, culture, meditation, rituals, mantras - all this is included in the classical tenets of Buddhism. From this follows the division into classes, which is present in every school. After all, what is good for the samurai is like death for the common people.
Confucianism in Japanese
Confucianism is a religious and philosophical system that is based on the teachings of the philosopher Confucius. According to this teaching, humanism is inherent in a person from birth, and mercy, kindness, restraint, altruism, modesty, philanthropy and compassion are also waiting to be developed. Debt occupies a special place in this religious direction. According to Confucius, duty is the highest law among moral obligations that a person assumes completely voluntarily.
Confucianism is also imbued with a clear idea of fidelity. A person must be faithful to his master, must respect and honor his parents; for him, important authorities are an absolute value.
The complex of moral and aesthetic knowledge that makes up Confucianism makes this movement more secular than religious. In Japan, this religion took root thanks to those dogmas that are associated with the veneration of ancestors, respect, and loyalty to authority. In this, Confucianism closely resembles Shintoism.
Confucianism, brought to Japan from China, received the approval of the government also because it envisages an impact on society as a whole, and not on the psychology of the individual in particular, as in Buddhism.
The Confucian movement played not only an ideological role. It also meant a lot for education. Thus, literacy training was carried out using the treatises of Confucius. From 1603 to 1868, Neo-Confucianism nevertheless became the main religion of Japan.
It is believed that Confucianism gained a strong base in Japan in the 6th century. Based on historical documents, it can be argued that in 609 the so-called Japanese mission was created. As part of a noble group, a descendant of Emperor Ojin, Minabutino Saen, was sent to China to study. Thanks to this, the worldview was supported by Japanese rulers during the formation of the state.
Followers of the philosophical movement became the first chroniclers of Japanese history. They actively participated in the construction of temples and warehouses, and kept records and educational activities.
Since the 7th century, possession of Confucian dogma was considered a distinctive sign of the aristocratic stratum. During Tenji's reign, the first school was opened, run by Confucian scholars. The school was then modified into the Imperial School.
Temple of Confucius
It was thanks to Confucianism that education “went” to the masses. And it ceased to be the prerogative of the nobility. Some Japanese feudal lords opposed the adoption of this philosophical trend. The whole point was that it prevented them from fighting for power, and also condemned clan feuds.
Japan is an amazing and very multifaceted country. While experiencing strife and war, the Japanese people managed to preserve and strengthen their traditions. In Japan, all three main religions harmoniously united: Buddhism, Shintoism and Confucianism. Each of them occupied its own niche, and also found an area where it could be applied in real life. The spiritual culture of the Japanese remains rich today. And this is confirmed by the rules of behavior in society that can be found in modern Japan.
What religion can be called the predominant in Japan?
It is difficult to give a definite answer to the question of which religion predominates in Japan. If we make an impromptu ranking, then Buddhism and Shintoism will share first place. And Confucianism will be in last place.
If we measure the role of religions in Japanese culture by the yardstick of time, then Shinto will be the oldest of all. The Japanese continue to live in unity with nature and honor spirits today. And since the Land of the Rising Sun is considered secular, none of the above religions is legally established as dominant.
The degree of influence of Confucianism on the Japanese Islands is not as great as it might seem at first glance. But every educated Japanese today is familiar with the postulates that Confucius preached. And the government itself is trying to artificially develop this area, as it sees a lot of benefits in it.
Therefore, the official religion of Japan is called a mixture of Buddhism and Shintoism. Such a diversity of religious movements not only did not divide the country, but, on the contrary, enriched its life and culture with new knowledge and ideas. There are still many schools and temples in Japan that bring completely different dogmas and rules into everyday life. And any Japanese is free to choose for himself which religion he will follow.
Taoism
Taoism itself has never been particularly popular in Japan. However, the influence of Chinese Taoist legends on Japanese culture and literature is quite significant.
The basis of the teachings of Tao is considered to be the work of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu “Tao Te Ching”. From the point of view of Taoism, the universe exists due to the inexplicable Tao (“Path”), which moves and controls all things. Following the laws of Tao is the path of life and bliss.
Practical Chinese understood Taoism as the study of the laws of nature and the universe. The Taoists, the sages who comprehended the Tao, were credited with eternal life and various magical skills. It was Taoism that gave birth to Far Eastern alchemy, the main interest of which was not the “philosopher’s stone” of European alchemists, but the search for the “elixir of immortality.” Taoists who achieved immortality were called “sennin.” It was believed that they, like the Yamabushi, lived as hermits in the mountains. Various stories about great Taoists and recipes for immortality crossed the sea and became very popular in Japan.
In many ways, it is on these legends that the art of Onmyodo (“The Way of Harmony of Yin and Yang”) is based – the Japanese art of summoning and controlling demons, fortune telling, astrology, magical healing, and so on.
Magic and religion in Japan: two sides of the same coin
Many Japanese religious rituals have not only a sacred, but a magical meaning. The very existence of magic in Japan (or the belief in it) is confirmed by the presence of Onmeji sorcerers in this land. These masters know how to maintain the balance of the universe when, during magical rituals, they influence the course of events in earthly life. Such people are also credited with the ability to predict the future. According to legends, they can perform magic on a par with kami and other supernatural creatures.
Onmeji perform magical acts using the five elements: metal, fire, wood, earth and water. Many of them charge a fee for their services. Only Shinto priests and Buddhist monks can compete with them. And then only when it is necessary to expel evil spirits from a person or home.
There is evidence that at all times there were people who were considered the living embodiment of kami. Some of them were especially close to the imperial family.
People who follow the path of Onmeji study Buddhism, Shinto and other schools for practical action, not for philosophical speculation. In addition to sorcerers, in Japanese mythology there are many other representatives of the magical world who influence everyday life in different areas.
It is believed that Japanese sorcerers do not have a clear division into black and white. But there are also those among them who choose the path of light or darkness and stick to it to the end.
There are rumors that monks and priests of different faiths can also do many unusual things. But they do not develop these abilities on purpose, but receive them as a side effect of spiritual development.
How the world was created
Legends say that the world was created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami, a man and a woman. However, the first attempt was unsuccessful, and they ended up with something jelly-like. They began to beat (disturb) the creation with the end of the spear. As a result, the ocean water separated, and the first Japanese island was formed at the end of the spear. The gods descended to earth, and their proximity gave birth to the following islands.
Attitudes towards religion in Japan today
Researchers of Japanese culture have repeatedly put forward theories that the Japanese are “pseudo-religious.” Such conclusions were made because the religions that predominate in the Land of the Rising Sun do not require strict daily rituals. In fact, the religiosity of the Japanese can be considered quite deep. After all, their whole life is permeated with norms taken from Shinto, Confucianism and Buddhism.
Religious scholar Amo Toshimaro explained the imaginary “pseudo-religiosity” of the Japanese people by the absence of a founder in Shintoism. Therefore, the centralization of the worship of the cult of ancestors and nature simply cannot be implemented in practice.
In Christianity the key figure is Christ, in Islam it is Allah, and in Shinto everything originates in totemic beliefs and elemental forces. In addition, each clan reveres its ancestors, making it very difficult to find a common denominator in this religion.
Japanese life is still shrouded in the dogmas of Confucianism, and holidays in Japan have a strong pagan connotation. Due to the fact that the national religion of Japan is collected from different teachings, it is not possible to determine the general level of religiosity of the Japanese.
Japan is an independent country, capable of adapting anything to its own trends. Its beautiful culture is so harmonious that it evokes genuine admiration among other nations. The manifestations of natural religion in it are quite modern, and correspond to the latest trends and changes in the world. It’s no wonder that Japan’s economy is at such a high level. Want to know a lot more about Japan? Then try to understand how her people were able to combine strict discipline and freedom of creative thought.
