Shinto the Kami Way

About this book

"An excellently rounded introduction by an eminent Shinto scholar."Library JournalShinto the indigenous faith of the Japanese people continues to fascinate and mystify both the casual visitor to Japan and the long-time resident. Relatively unknown among the religions of the world The Kami Way provides an enlightening window into this Japanese faith.In its general aspects Shinto is more than a religious faith. It is an amalgam of attitudes ideas and ways of doing things that through two millennia and more have become an integral part of the way of the Japanese people. Shinto is both a personal faith in the kamiobjects of worship in Shinto and an honorific for noble sacred spiritsand a communal way of life according to the mind of the kami. This introduction unveils Shintos spiritual characteristics and discusses the architecture and function of Shinto shrines. Further examination of Shintos lively festivals worship music and sacred regalia illustrates Shintos influence on all levels of Japanese life.Fifteen photographs numerous drawings and Dr. Onos text introduce the reader to two millennia of indigenous Japanese belief in the kami and in communal life.Chapters The Kami WayShrinesWorship and FestivalsPolitical and Social CharacteristicsSome Spiritual Characteristics