...Week 5 Team Paper REL/133 March 8, 2012 Week 5 Team Paper Shintoism is an ancient religion that originated in the Japanese culture. Shinto is a general term used and is defined by the various activities practiced by those of the Shintoism religion. The Japanese worship deities of different worlds. Their worship of these deities is called the "Way of Kami," with Kami meaning deity or deities. The practice of Shintoism was finally recognized when Yomei, the 31st Emperor of Japan, prayed before an image of Buddha for the first time as an emperor for recovery of his illness. At that time, Yomei accepted Buddhism, a foreign religion, and the Japanese realized the existence of the tradition of their already existing faith. Shinto dates back to 660 BCE and is an organized religion of the Japanese. Shinto in its basic sense is a religious form of Japanese nationalism and patriotism. The basic belief that the Japanese people were brought to Japan by a divine creator and believe that the Japanese emperors were direct descendents of the Sun Goddess, Kami Amaterasu. There are two sacred books of Shinto, the Kojiki, (the Chronicles of Ancient Events) and the Nihongi (the Chronicles of Japan). The Kojiki tells the story that in the beginning there was kami, (gods or spiritual forces). Two of the deities, Izanagi (male) and Izanami (female) gave birth to Japan. There is no one deity that is over all, but some of the kami were raised to higher ranks and the one who held the...
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...I chose Shintoism the religion of Japan. The websites can be found here: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art19100.asp Shinto is the “way of the Gods” This is a religion that all things on this earth are gods from the rocks to the trees to a person’s dead ancestors as well as the Emperor of Japan descended from the God who made Japan. People’s ancestors who have passed on before them are also gods and are called Kami. When we lived in Japan, My family had a shrine that held the pictures of my ex-husbands grandparents and his uncle. Every morning we would light incense and ring the bell on the shrine to show our respect to them. When we bought fruit or flowers, they first went in honor to the Kami of the shrine and we later ate the fruit in a few days. When children are 3, 5, or 7, the go to the shrine to be blessed. They are dressed up in traditional Japanese Kimono and wear their hair in the traditional manner and walk all the way to the shrine. The Shinto Priest then blesses them and they are given a huge party. I am not sure that too much has changes except I don’t think many people believe that the Emperor has descended from God anymore. Most Japanese seem very devout and still follow the same rituals and festivals that have been celebrated throughout the...
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...Shintoism and Zoroastrianism ENG 215-Strayer University July 26, 2013 Shintoism and Zoroastrianism Shintoism, the native religious practice of the Japanese people, teaches its followers to honor many deities. It is more of a spiritual practice than a religion and it focuses on connecting the follower with his ancestry through certain forms of worship dedicated to one’s ancestors. The word Shinto means “Way of the Gods”. Shintoism also teaches its followers that every aspect of nature is sacred. This includes an ardent love and appreciation for mountains, seas, plants, and animals [ (Video: Shintoism: Mystical Spirit of the East) ]. This notion can be applied to my life by allowing me to have a greater appreciation for nature and all living creatures. Shintoism connects the follower with his past and using this notion could help me to understand the importance of my own background and forefathers. Zoroastrianism is another religious practice which highlights the importance of gods and ancestry. It is an ancient Iranian religion which is also known as Mazdayansnian. The creed by which Zoroastrianism operates encourages one to put down their “weapons” and appreciate the beauty in nature. This religious practice is very similar to Shintoism in its spiritual aspect. Both practices celebrate nature and the spiritual aspects of life. Both religions also have many deities or gods that are followed [ (Article: The Zoroastrian Creed) ]. Zoroastrianism offers concepts...
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...Shintoism was the main religion of Japan before Buddhism, which is as of now the fundamental religion of Japan. Shintoism is a simple religion. It gives just a single order, the need of being faithful to one's predecessors. Shintoism has around many divine beings, for the most part, the worshipped legends of the Japanese. The main god is Amaterasu, the Sun God, from whom the Imperial Family of Japan follows its underlying foundations (Van Voorst, 2013). Shinto is a religion of formal customs. Its ceremonies are coordinated particularly to the normal universe of the Japanese islands and optionally to the historical backdrop of the Japanese state. Confucian esteems have motivated much of Japanese social morals, supplemented by more individual...
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...The Prominent religions in Japan are Shintoism with 79.2% of the population practicing this religion, Buddhism with 66.8%, and Christianity with 1.5%. The total adherents exceed 100% because many people practice both Shintoism and Buddhism (World Factbook, 2015). Shinto, or the “way of the spirits or deities,” began to take form in Japan’s early period before the sixth century C. E. Shinto deities, or kami, were seen as infusing the natural world. Uniquely shaped trees, mountains, rivers, and rocks were all considered kami, but human beings could be viewed as kami as well. Since early Shinto did not have a founder or produce sacred texts, it was through common rituals that the religion was transmitted. The goal of the rituals was to maintain...
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...as a reality of the world (Molly, 2010). Shintoism is one of the oldest religions in Japan and to keep its teaching alive Japan gave it its name when Buddhism came to Japan in the sixth century. Although, this did not stop people from coming to Japan to compare their religions, how this religion interacts with the modern world, and how Shintoism would influence other religions in the modern world (Molly, 2010). When comparing Shintoism to other religions such as, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism many people may automatically say there are not comparisons between the religions. When researching comparisons between these religions, people can say they all believe in a higher power, but that is not where the similarities end. Shinto and Buddhism care two religions that taught and learned from each other by adopting beliefs from each other. The both believed in having a place of worship called shrines and temples. They also believed in more than one higher deity who were a loving and benign (Find the best, 2014). When China entered Japan, the Chinese introduced Buddhism, and the Shinto believed Buddhism was another deity to be worshiped. They also believed in salvation and for them this meant being delivered from evil spirits and accomplishing this they will be purified with water and prayer. The Shinto adopted art, writing, and philosophy to their beliefs that are the same Buddhism (Osborn, 2013). When comparing Shintoism and Confucianism many...
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...the family is considered subservient to anyone else. In hierarchic Asian cultures, some members of the family are clearly dominant (men and elders) while others are clearly subordinate (women and children). It is their duty to obey and care for the dominant family member—the husband and father. Control may also play a role in the failure to care for oneself, especially in cultures where men are dominant. When reduced to a state of physical weakness by a medical condition, men who issue orders and have their family attend to their every need demonstrate their dominance. The Japanese approach to health and health care stem largely from religious and philosophical beliefs. The dominant faiths in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism and most Japanese believe in both. Shintoism is an ancient religion based on the belief that the gods are represented in natural surroundings such as rivers, trees and mountains with shrines built to honor these gods. One of the most important ways to show...
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...Contemporary Issues in Eastern Religions Contemporary Issues in Eastern Religions Shinto, “way of the gods”, is one of the two major religions in Japan besides Buddhism. There was no name for the religion up until Buddhism came from China;” there was no need to name the religion that was already present—it was simply what everyone did (Molloy, 2010).” Shintoism is known as the nature religion, however, it’s not just that it focuses on worshiping spirits, mostly the spirits of departed family members, and gods. There are numerous rituals that are carried out diligently to connect the people of Japan to their ancient ancestors and past. There are numerous public shrines all throughout Japan for devoted people to worship multiple gods. Though many of the nature based religions have slowly died out over the course of thousands of years, however, Shintoism has done no such thing. The Shinto religion has not only retained its connection to nature but also to shamanism and mysterious healing techniques. They show homage to the shrines that can be found situated in between skyscrapers. There are no known founder of the Shinto religion. It is believed to have been founded to in 660 BC according to the Japanese origin myth, though the first practices and ritual were not recorded until the eighth century in what is known as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. According to the Kojiki, in the beginning there was a primeval chaos, which populated many deities called kami. “Of those kami there...
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...The three diverse faiths that have been selected are Buddhism, Sikhism and Shintoism. The three religions will be compared to Christianity based on the philosophy of providing care. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion originally practiced in Punjab. The religion is based on the instructions given by a Guru. Sikhs believe in the existence of only one immortal being while Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent. The religion is non-theistic and encompasses different beliefs, practices and traditions that are based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Shintoism is a religious practice that is indigenous to Japan (Kliewer & Saultz, 2006). The religion is mainly action-centered, and it focuses on ritual practices that are performed diligently. Comparison of the Philosophy of Providing Care for Each Religion Each religion has a unique philosophy of providing care. Healthcare providers should understand and appreciate the religious preferences and beliefs of their patients in order to provide optimal care. The Sikh philosophy of providing healthcare is based on the belief that during disease and sickness, followers should pray to God in order to obtain help, peace and ask for forgiveness. During this period, the follower is required to listen and recite the Gurbani and the sacred hymns. Sikh patients request audiotapes of the sacred words. They also consider disease and sickness as the will of God. Sikhs believe that God is benevolent and merciful. This differs from the Buddhism...
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... However, it means different things and affects different ways to different people depending on their religion backgrounds and beliefs. Within three diverse faiths that are less well-known than the mainstream faith such as Shintoism, Buddhism, and Baha'i, the author will compare the philosophy of providing care from the perspective of each of these three faiths with that of the Christian perspective and the author own personal perspective. Shintoism Shintoism is the religious beliefs and practices of Japan. According to Shouler, Shinto is an optimistic faith in believing that all humans are fundamentally good and evil is caused by evil spirits. It is a form of animism and involves the worship of kami which mean “sacred spirit”. Shinto is created by combining two works: “Shin” means God or spirit and “to” means way or path. Shinto beliefs are in the mysterious creating and harmonizing power of kami and in the truthful way of kami. The kami began as the mysterious forces of nature associated primarily with permanent features in the landscape, such as unusual mountains, rocky cliffs, caves, springs, trees and stones("Shinto Therapies," 2002, p. 4) Most Japanese considered death is a natural process as a part of life cycle. Therefore, Shintoism or Buddhism patients may be more open to end-of-life discussions. Conversion to Christianity or other religions, it would certainly have some impact on views of death, dying, and end-of-life issues. Therefore, organ donation...
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...The Harakiri and Its Implication to Japanese Pride The Harakiri and Its Implication to Japanese Pride Around 800,000 to a million people die by suicide every year, making it the 10th leading cause of death worldwide. Rates are higher in men than in women, with males three to four times more likely to kill themselves than females. There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year. Attempts are more common in the young and females. Views on suicide have been influenced by broad existential themes such as religion, honor, and the meaning of life. During the samurai era in Japan, Seppuku also known as Harakiri was respected as a means of atonement for failure or as a form of protest. One of the factors that leads to Harakiri in Japan is the Psychosocial states. A number of psychological states increase the risk of suicide including: hopelessness, loss of pleasure in life, depression and anxiousness. A poor ability to solve problems, the loss of abilities one used to have, and poor impulse control also play a role. In older adults the perception of being a burden to others is important. Recent life stresses such as a loss of a family member or friend, loss of a job, or social isolation (such as living alone) increases risk. Those who have never married are also at greater risk. Being religious...
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...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: Final Draft Tamika L Brown Grand Canyon University HLT 301V Spirituality in Health Care September 1, 2012 Abstract Within this paper I will be discuss three religions that have similar characteristic of Christianity. I choose Candomble an Afro-Brazilian that has over a million followers. Candomble is a syncretic religion, meaning it has a combination of beliefs. The core of the religion is the traditional African beliefs of Yoruba, Fon and Bantu. Candomble has elements of Christianity, particularly Catholicism. Candomble means “dance in honor of the gods.” Dancing and music play an important role in the Candomble rituals. The center of Candomble religion is God (Oludumare) and the deities are called Orixas which serves Oludumare. Candomble does not have any holy scriptures. Shinto is an all-pervading indefinable way which is quite universal. Shinto or Kaminomichi is the name of the religion observed by the Japanese from time immemorial. ‘Kami’ means God or deity. Shinto implies the following ‘Way of the Gods’. Shinto is not really an ‘ism’ but only a teaching. Confucianism is a religion found by Confucius influential Chinese philosophers. His idea of social and political harmony is through better governance, a proper human relationship and individual development to shape Chinese though out many centuries. Candomble Candomble is an Afro-Brazilian religion that was brought to Brazil...
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...Week 5 Discussion "Shintoism and Zoroastrianism" Please respond to the following: It has been said that a person is Shinto in the same way that he is Japanese. Identify at least two factors which would explain the close relationship between Shintoism and Japanese nationalism. Shinto is closely related of being Japanese, a very indigenous religion with the Japanese culture with a lot of influence of Buddhism and other imported religions. Based on Shinto legends which link Shinto to Nationalism, it was believed that the native Japanese people are descended from the “Kami”, the most ancient form of spirituality, were present at the founding of Japan. Because of these beliefs, that the imperial families were an unbroken line of descent from Amaterasu, and that the family is older than the people of Japan, and its survival depends on maintaining the relationship between the Emperor and his people, the emperor rule Japan because this is what their gods want to. Allegiance to the emperor is one of the factors of being a Shinto which led to being a nationalist. Another example of would be the Japanese national Flag, a red circle on a white background. Red signifies the rising sun and the white background signifies purity, righteousness, and national loyalty. Explain at least two ways in which Zoroastrianism acts like a bridge between Eastern and Western religions. Based from what I understand with Zoroastrianism, I found out that it is one of the ancient religions in the world...
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...The goal of this paper is to educate healthcare providers on a few of the basic needs of patient’s practicing Hinduism, Shintoism, and Native American cultures. A theme develops as one expands their worldview and becomes competent at creating an open dialogue with patients. Learning to have respectful conversations regarding spiritual needs will prove fulfilling for the provider and patient. Once one understands needs and barriers to care we are able to provide a spiritual and holistic experience. Exploring spiritual needs such as prayer and meditation and giving patients the opportunity to practice those in a healthcare environment is respected. Exercising additional patience and being willing to think outside the box will be the difference between competent care and compassionate care. World Religion and Healthcare Throughout a career an American nurse will come across a diverse patient population. The Christian nurse will have opportunity to educate and be educated on many cultures and religions that exist in our country. Becoming culturally competent is not only encouraged but a necessity. A lack of understanding of one’s own and one’s clients’ world views results in frustration and anxiety for both the helper and the client (Richards & Bergin, 1997, p. 50). This paper will provide a comparison of Hinduism, Shintoism, and Native American cultures and how they differ from Christianity. There exist many differences between Christianity...
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...The new Meiji government turned its focus on rebuilding a nation fit to succeed in the modern world. American historian, Kenneth Scott Latourette supports the notion that japans success was ‘derived not so much from financial or imported technology, but by educating the masses’. The education order of 1872 introduced compulsory education, and by 1879 students were required to attend school for 16 months over a four-year period. At first the Japanese adopted everything western in their new schools, but soon they realised the importance of maintaining traditional values of Confucianism, Shintoism and nationalism. Shintoism became the main religion after western intervention as it originated in japan and emphasised the role of the emperor. Religion was the one area in which Japan attempted to maintain its cultural heritage from the influence of Western philosophies and built a strong sense of Japanese...
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