#1: Shintoism Lecture

What does indigenous mean?

Originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often followed by to)

In which country would you find Shintoism?

Shintoism is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the people of Japan.

Question: What does the name Shinto mean?

The name Shinto means “Way of the Spirits”.

Who is the founder of Shintoism?

Shintoism has been practiced for a very long time in Japan and there is no known founder.

What is Musubi?

Musubi, the interconnecting energy of the universe, and are considered exemplary of what humanity should strive towards.

What are Kami?

Kami are a part of nature and possess both positive and negative, and good and evil characteristics. Kami are in no way perfect.

Identify some characteristics of Kami?

Kami are not God or gods.

Why must we treat Kami kindly?

It is believed that Kami want us to be happy and if they are treated properly they will intervene in our lives to bring benefits like health and business success.

Question: Why are shrines important in Shintoism?

Shrines are very important in Shintoism because that is where the Kami live.

In Shintoism there is no concept of original sin or of humanity as bad so people are considered good and capable of living an ethically good life.

Question: Why are there no moral absolutes in Shintoism?

In Shintoism there are no moral absolutes. There cannot be moral absolutes because the Kami are not perfect and neither are humans. We all make mistakes.

Question: The end goal of Shintoism is to live a life of harmony and purity.

What happens when humans act wrongly?

When human beings act wrongly, they bring pollution and sin upon themselves, which obstructs the flow of life and blessing from the kami.

What is tsumi? How does it affect humans?

This pollution or sin is called tsumi, which obstructs the flow of life and blessing from the kami.

Shinto festivals are called Matsuri, which means to entertain or to serve and focus on particular kami.