Shinto

1. PRINCIPAL BELIEFS

1.1. No set of doctrine beliefs required to abide by

1.2. Kami are spiritual beings or Gods of Shintoism

1.3. Four affirmations

1.3.1. Tradition and Family

1.3.2. Love of Nature

1.3.3. Ritual purity

1.3.4. Matsuri

1.4. Makoto- Sincerity

1.5. Devotion to Kami and nature

1.6. No one God or sacred texts

1.6.1. Polytheistic

1.7. Focused on Life rather than death and origins

1.8. Torii gate a key symbol within relgiion demonstrating sacredness

2. RITUALS

2.1. Festival held known as Matsuri

2.2. Used to honor the Kami

2.3. To find Purity

2.4. Ward off evil spirits

2.5. Performed in households

2.6. Performed in Shrines

2.7. Priests perform the ceremonies, assisted by women who are typically healers

2.8. Food offerings are performed

3. HUMAN SEARCH FOR MEANING

3.1. Peace with the world

3.2. Simplicity

3.2.1. Individual journey to self discovery

3.2.2. Find ones self, spiritualy

3.3. Peace within the world

3.4. Individual journey to spiritual growth

3.5. Provides a way of life

3.6. Allows followers into the world of spirits

4. ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE

4.1. Ancient Japanese Religion

4.2. Gods are known as Kami

4.3. Izanagi and Izanami are formed from the Earth

4.3.1. Izanagi and Izanami create more Kami

4.3.2. Izanagi forms the Japanese islands

4.3.3. Izanami dies after giving birth

4.3.4. Sea and moon Kami are formed out of Izanagi tears

4.4. Connection between the Kami, humans, and nature

4.5. Multiple Variations to the story

5. INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY

5.1. Living life to the fullest

5.2. Permeates Japanese life within all levels

5.3. Influences worship and faith to Japanese culture

5.4. Kami- Allowing individuals to be one with their surroundings

5.5. Spiritually communicate and connect with their worldview

5.6. Unites everyone

5.6.1. Tighter relationship as a country

5.6.2. Relationships with other countries