Historically the faiths, or belief and value systems, of the Japanese people are Shinto, Buddhism and Confucianism. Although, strictly speaking, neither Shinto nor Confucianism are religions, the lives of their followers are based on either rituals or a way of life. Many practitioners of Shinto and Confucianism are very often followers of the Buddhist faith too.
In many respects, the discipline and belief system of the multi-layers of faith, ritual and tradition followed by the Japanese people has assisted immensely in the creation of their successful economy.
A brief description of the three faiths follows.
Shinto
The primary follower of Shinto in Japan is the Emperor, and although, contrary to popular belief, he is not classed as a Divine Being, he is supposedly descended from the Kami or spirits that are integral to the faith. To the practitioner of Shinto, humans are basically good, with the spiritual world being incorporated into the world of the living. They have no belief in an afterlife, God and no recognised founder of the faith. There are no scriptures on Shinto as it is based on ethical principles, although Holy Books have been written. Some further details of Shinto follow:
- The word Shinto is derived from the Chinese words, Shen (Divine being) and Tao (way of the spirits),
- Shinto is a ritualised practice which is mainly followed in the home. Most Japanese homes have a small shrine,
- Major shrines exist throughout Japan,
- Shinto is a way of life intrinsic to Japan with habitual ritual, festivals and shrine visiting,
- Japanese have no need to externalise the faith of Shinto outside Japan, therefore no missionaries work towards Shinto conversions,
- Rituals enable humans to communicate with Kami which are spirits that can influence the human life
- Kami can be spirits, elements of landscape or forces of nature,
- Followers are not limited to being Shinto worshippers only but can follow other faiths
- As Shinto is not classed as religion but an aspect of Japanese life it coexists with Buddhism.
- Oshogatsu or New Year is the main day for attending shrines but there are many other important days throughout the year often linked to seasons and family,
- Holy books demonstrate the lasting relationship between the Japanese people and the Kami
Confucianism
Confucianism, too, is not a recognised religion but more a way of life created and adapted from the sayings and philosophies of the ancient Chinese sage Confucius. The philosophy of Confucius was taken to Japan by Buddhist monks and adopted as a life role model by the Samurai, the elite Japanese warrior class. As time passed, the aristocratic Samurai code and their codes of life became the target for all strata of feudal Japanese society.
As they are not accepted as traditional religions, both Shinto and Confucianism are ways of practicing a ritual lifestyle or belief system that are fully compatible with following the Buddhist faith.
Buddhism
Buddhism arrived in Japan from China and there are many ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples throughout Japan. It is a way of life which embraces personal spiritual development and insight, with no gods. Buddhists practice strict moral and personal codes and meditation by which they hope to attain the Way to Enlightenment.
The Buddhist faith is over 2,500 years old and is based on the quest for enlightenment of Siddartha Gautama.
The tradition of the Japanese Tea Ceremony was initiated and perfected by Buddhist Monks and popularised by the Samurai elite.
It has often been suggested that the faiths and beliefs of the Japanese people were the reason for the economic success of Japan, as they created what many believe to be a perfect workforce.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also wish to read Some Ancient Japanese Legends about Flowers
Sources:
J Hirschmeier & T Yui, The Development of Japanese Business, 1600 - 1973
Dawn Denmar - Studying for a BA in Journalism and History, Dawn's innate curiosity about life has led to articles covering a range of topics and ...
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