Table of ContentsTopic AnalysisConclusionBibliographyA person's religious views and the way they are raised in religion can greatly affect their moral compass, values, and overall view of life. life. With over 4,200 religions. It is difficult for humans, as a society, to respectfully understand the beliefs of others. One of the most misunderstood religions is known as Shintoism, which is the way of the Kami (Hirai). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayTopic AnalysisShintoism is a religion based primarily in Japan. With over 119 million people following his belief today. Followers of Shintoism primarily focus on pursuing the spirits known as Kami. These spirits are close to human beings and are said to also respond if prayed to. The shapes of these Kami Earth range from different parts of landscapes like rivers and mountains, to weather conditions like winds and rains, and even animals and plants. These Kami spirits are present in virtually everything that is alive. Followers of Shinto believe that when the Kami are treated with respect, kindness, and prayer, they change the course of a person's situation and way of life. Either end unhappiness and pain or even bring good health and better opportunities. This is a quick overview of why people follow Kami's ideology. A brief history of Shintoism is that the religion itself is considered a fairly old religion, although most of its popularity comes from Buddhism. Shinto began as a primitive, nature-focused religion, which it still is, but it had far fewer moral ideals. It began more focused development between 400 and 300 BCE during the Yayoi period in Japan. At the time, Japan primarily supported itself by growing rice and making materials and weapons from bronze and additional metals (Hardacre 18). The Japanese people began to develop these small sites and shrines near waterfalls and rivers. For Kami to enter. Around 450 CE, the Japanese began building tiny objects near anything of value. It's mostly rice fields hoping for good weather so the crops can grow. With new homes in the hope of good fertility and health. This little ritual-based idea continued until around 700 CE. Eventually, Buddhism began to gain popularity in Japan, and Shinto believers began to embrace some major Buddhist ideals. Even to this day, there is no real official founder of the religion. Followers of the religion have not hesitated to change its goals as history has progressed. Some of the beliefs that were added were about how funerals would be conducted and how we as people should control our own lust and hatred. As mentioned earlier, Shintoism has a more unique philosophical basis. They believe in many different spirits. Shintoism has more than eight million Kami spirits. All Kami have different practices that show them respect. Yet, if treated with disrespect or greedy intentions, these Kami can act in rebellion against humans. The two main Kami of Shintoism are Amaterasu and Susanoo. Amaterasu being the Sun Kami who is a caring and warm Kami (Reader, Ian-Tanabe, George Jojiand Tanabe, George J). She is always in conflict with her younger brother Susanoo, who is the Storm Kami. Both feature in many famous myths. The most famous myth of Amaterasu and Susanoo dates back to 712 CE. Where Susanoo told his sister that he was called to go to heaven; even though their father was still angry at him for causing trouble throughout Japan. His sister was skeptical and didn't believe if he was telling the truth about his goodbyes. This led Susanoo to bet on who could make gods out of objects, and if he added up five gods, he was telling the truth. Amaterasu was able to bring three women from Susanoo's Totsuka-no-Tsurugi (ten-fist-length sword). As he gave birth to five men from his beloved necklace. Have Susanoo claiming to be the winner. Even though Susanoo won the bet, he began to fill with rage, and with this rage, he destroyed his sister's rice fields and participants. Out of fear and rage, Amaterasu hid in Ama-no-Iwato (heavenly rock cave), causing darkness across Japan. Eventually, she was convinced to come out of the cave and Susanoo was eradicated from Heaven and sent to Hell. Where he continued to fight an eight-headed serpent, until he was killed and known and gave Amaterasu the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (grass-cutter sword), as forgiveness (Hardacre 52). This story is so often talked about, even today in Japan. Not only to be used in several different animes and shows, but to demonstrate that one should not act with anger and jealousy. Which became a huge ideal in Shintoism, and even more so when combined with Buddhism. Some of the main practices for being good in the eyes of the Kami, including Amaterasu and Susanoo, go to a Jinja. "Where one or more Kami are consecrated." It is essentially a Japanese shrine for specific or multiple variations of Kami. With over 100,000 Jinjas recognized in Japan. Some of the biggest being Ise Grand, Izumo Taisha and Meiji Shrine. Shintoism, unlike Christianity and Judaism, does not hold weekly meetings at its shrines. Usually people arrive when they want and meetings, if they take place, are on the 1st and 15th of the month. What is mainly done when going to a Jinja is that as one approaches the building, the person approaches the symbol known as Torii (bird's perch), and one has to show respect to the Torii and the symbol of the Kami to which the Jinja is intended. Since the Torii represent, you pass a regular land and enter holy land. Once someone passes the Torii, he should be grateful for the blessing of the Kami and his ancestors. They can pray or meditate quietly, but most of the time people just need to be at peace with themselves and appreciate where they are in life by doing the Kami. However, Shintoism is not limited to this ideal, it continues in many different branches. Some of the most important values ​​and concepts that must be followed in the practice of Shinto are that one is constantly impure. Leading every person should always try to purify themselves. Whether physically in the sanctuaries with holy water or through prayer to the Kamis. A person should not dwell on grudges or hatred. Letting go helps purify the soul. Since then, once a person dies, followers of Shinto believe that we become Kami. If you are constantly filled with anger, jealousy and hatred, your soul after leaving your body will turn into an evil and mischievous Kami. Still seeking revenge on the living for eternity in the land of Yomi, a place similarly described as the Greek Hades. It is a place separating the, 1997.