This episode offers a scholarly exploration into the ancient Japanese spirituality of Shinto, or Kami-no-Michi, to understand Shinto’s core principles and rituals, unravelling its place within historical contexts and modern esoteric traditions.
We address pivotal questions central to Shinto’s spiritual narrative:
* How do Shinto practices integrate into the daily lives of the Japanese?
* What are Shinto rituals like Misogi and Saisen?
* In what ways do Omikuji and Omamori embody the intersection of faith and practice?
* How do the ceremonies of Shinto reflect Japan’s cultural ethos and the broader animistic worldview?
We delve into the Misogi ritual of purification, the meaning behind the traditional offering of Saisen, and the significance of bell-ringing in shrine visits. We demystify the Omikuji practice of fortune-telling and the role of Omamori as protective talismans, examining their relevance to both adherents and curious scholars.
This video not only shares vivid images and descriptions from my recent visit to Japan but also embeds these experiences within a framework of peer-reviewed scholarship. It is an indispensable resource for those studying comparative religion, Japanese culture, or the diverse expressions of the sacred in daily life.
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REFERENCES
Ambros B. (2012). Bones of Contention: Animals and Religion in Contemporary Japan. University of Hawai‘i Press.
Breen, J., & Teeuwen, M. (2010). A New History of Shinto. Wiley-Blackwell
Hardacre, H. (2017). Shinto: A History. Oxford University Press
Kasulis, T. P. (2004). Shinto: The Way Home. University of Hawaii Press.
Nelson, J. K. (1996). A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine. University of Washington Press.
Picken, Y. (2002). Kami no Michi – The way of the Kami: The Life and Thought of a Shinto Priest. Scarecrow Press.
Reader, I. (1991). Religion in Contemporary Japan. University of Hawaii Press.
Reader, I., & Tanabe, G. J. (1998). Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan. University of Hawaii Press.
Yamamoto, Y. (1999). Kami no Michi – The way of the Kami: The Life and Thought of a Shinto Priest. Tsubaki America Publications.
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00:00 Introduction: Shinto Magic
01:02 Support Angela’s Symposium
02:05 Shinto: Animism in Japanese daily life
04:42 The Kami: Shinto Spirits of Nature and Ancestors
05:21 Ritual Purity and Purification in Shinto
05:59 Harmony with Nature and the Universe in Japan
06:37 Magic as Communication and Communion in Shinto
07:10 The Ritual of Misogi: Purification Through Water
07:58 Saisen: The Act of Tossing Money in Japan
08:38 Omikuji: Japanese Divination and Destiny
10:22 Omamori: Shinto Amulets of Protection and Blessing
11:02 Analysis of Japanese Shinto Shrine Rituals
12:25 Esoteric Practices within Shinto Priesthood
13:54 Conclusion: Similarities and differences between Shinto and Western Traditions
15:07 Support Angela’s Symposium
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Published on March 10, 2024
