In a certain sense, all Japanese are Shintoists. It's part of their cultural heritage. Some of them may practice Shintoism more actively by going to shrines and ceremonies. But Shintoism is as much a system of values as a religion. So even those of them who are not religious at all hold certain Shinto values - like a deep respect for nature, for example.
Does that mean you can be a Shintoist and a Buddhist?
Yes. In fact, the majority of Japanese who consider themselves religious would say they are both Buddhist and Shintoist. Shintoism as a belief system doesn't exclude other loyalties.
What about ancestor worship?
That's a basic part of Shintoism - but it's really more a feeling of reverence than worship. We also respect and appreciate the land and all of nature. Many Shinto shrines are noted for the great natural beauty of their surroundings.
No comments:
Post a Comment