Human development through shintoism (Japanese)

Shintoism is the religion of Japan, normally practised in tandem with Buddhism. Followers believe in the sacredness of the universe as a whole, which is seen as pervaded by multitudes of spirits - [kami]

- rather than under the control of a single deity. Harmony with this sacredness arises when the moral and upright individual, through purification and by truthfulness, frees himself from the impurities which hide his or her own divine nature. There is observance of taboos and avoidance of people or things which could cause imperfection or impurity. The individual is then open to receiving the blessings and guidance of the spirits. Basic to shintoism are belief in the interconnectedness of the whole of creation beneath the conscious level, in the inherent beauty and harmony of creation and of life, in the ability of creation to open humanity to a sense of the sacred and the need to cooperate in this harmony, a sense of taking things as they are and a willingness to accept and adapt to change, and a non-exclusiveness which allows tolerance of other beliefs. Of supreme importance is the observance of duty, as it is this which ensures survival of the [kami]

nature and the approbation of one's descendants.